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CONTENTS
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
44 FerrarI WOrLD: THE MUST VISIT OF ABU DHABI, FIRST FERRARI THEME PARK WHICH IS THE LARGEST ATTRACTION OF ITS KIND. MaIsOn BOuLuD: THE FAMOUS RESTAURANT OF BEIJING BY CELEBRITY CHEF A THREE MICHELIN STAR RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX MEMBER
58
page
30-63
LET’S WALK TOGETHER TO THE 3 RISING STARS OF ASIA: Abu Dhabi, Mumbai, and Beijing. THEN MAKE A STOP AT THE UNIQUE BUT INTERESTING PART OF JAPAN, Okinawa. AND EXPLORE THE HERITAGE TOWN OF Luang Phrabang
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CONTENTS
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
LIFESTYLE
be trend
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FOR HER SPECIAL GIFT FOR HER
THE MOST IMPRESSIVE AS THE FIRST BEST THINGS OF 2012 : LATEST UPDATE WOMEN’S BAG, SUPER LUXURY WATCH, AND FOREVER ADMIRABLE FRAGRANCE.
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FOR HIM SPECIAL GIFT FOR HIM
THE UNFORGETTABLE SURPRISE OF 2012 : REDHOT BAG, SPORTY MARINE WATCH, HIGH CLASS ACCESSORIES, AND SUMPTUOUS BELT FOR MEN.
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art & entertantment BUSAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
THE RISING OF ASIAN FILM MARKET IN 2011 AND THE BEST ACHIEVEMENT EVER AT BUSAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL.
best Places to celebrate 2012 in asia
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CHECK OUT THE PLACE FOR YOUR NEW YEAR PARTY IN THE BEST SETTING
PeoPle
THAILAND’S 8 REMARKABLE BRANDS IN GLOBAL EYE
112
THAILAND AS THE MAIN PRODUCER AND EXPORTER OF THE WORLD’S MERCHANDISE HAS TURN TO BE THE OWNER OF REMARKABLE BRANDS IN THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET. LET’S FIND OUT WHAT’S BEHIND THE GREAT SUCCESS OF 8 BEST BRANDS OF THAILAND.
sPa guide
138
RELAX IN LEADING SPAS OF ASIA WITH BEST TREATMENT AND STUNNING VIEWS OF RITZCARLTON HONG KONG AND SHANGRI-LA RASA SAYANG PENANG
TRAVEL
out of asia
AMAZING AMERICAN’S NATIONAL PARKS
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EXPLORE THE FABULOUS SCENES OF AMERICA’S NATIONAL PARKS: YOSEMITE THE IMAGINATION VIEWS AND DEAD VALLEY THE MYSTERY OF NATURE.
asia’s heritage
134
NANG NGAM STREET OF SONGKHLA, THE LIVING LEGEND
WALK ALONG THE PATHWAY OF THE COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE AND EXPERIENCE TRADITIONAL FOOD.
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EDITOR’S TALK
L
ife is beautiful. If we have positive attitude towards the future, the celebration of the coming 2012 is going to be great like ever and always. While Thailand facing the bad flood and life has to keep going on, there are many interesting places in Thailand that still available for you.
NOW Travel Asia’s last issue of 2010 is demonstrating 3 big cities with non stop changing, interesting, and new traveling destinations. They are Abu Dhabi, Beijing, and Mumbai. These shining stars of Asia are earning big attention from travelers all around the world. Let’s check out 12 things to do in Okinawa, the south end islands of Japan. Then take a trip to the heritage town of Luang Phrabang, Laos. These 2 small towns of Asia are rich in friendly atmosphere and natural way of life. And hop to Asia’s Best Places for 2012 Celebration in big cities of Asia including Phuket, Bangkok, Macau, Hongkong, Seoul, Singapore and Shanghai which all on the list of Asia’s top traveling place. As Thailand has many leading brands in international market, let’s seek out what’s made the great success of Thailand’s 8 Remarkable Brands in Global Eye with their story behind the scene. As the world keeps moving and the New Year is coming close, traveling experience and new friendship along your pathway are the best reward for your life. At least you always have NOW Travel Asia walks together with you to any destinations. In the name of NOW Travel Asia, I would like to send my best wishes to you and hope everyone will have many great journeys in the coming 2012. SUPOTE SITHIWONG EDITOR-IN-CHIEF supote@nowtravelasia.com
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 ASIA RISING CITIES
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Enjoy the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2011 Exposition combined with a luxurious stay at Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai
Stay with us from 14 December 2011 to 14 March 2012, receive two complimentary tickets to the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2011 International Horticultural Exposition. Book your accommodation directly with our resort by calling +66 53 888 888 or email : mocnx-reservations@mohg.com
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OWNER lime asia media inc. puBLIShER kenneth s. wong EDITORIAL DIRECTOR suwalee siriphan EDITOR-IN-ChIEf supote sitthiwong SECRETARy TO EDITOR-IN-ChIEf sirirat kampichai EDITORIAL OffICER arawee sirorasa ART DIRECTOR ketsaraporn inthana GRAphIC DESIGNER Jurairat panya MARkETING DEpARTMENT haruthai pathompongphan patcharapruek uttharin katt pangsiri email: marketing@nowtravelasia.com ACCOuNTING DEpARTMENT nattamon sitthiwong MAGAzINE DISTRIBuTOR thailand ASIA BOOkS BOOkS kINOkuNIyA pENBOON singapore pANSING DISTRIBuTION pTE LTD(SINGApORE) hong kong fAR EAST MEDIA (hk) LTD official logistic partner
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www.nowtravelasia.com All rights in this publication and the name are own by Lime Asia Media inc. No parts of this magazine may be reproduced without the permission of Lime Asia Media inc. All right reserved. NOW Travel Asia magazine is published bimonthly and distributed throughout Thailand and Southeast Asia.
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what’s now Macau
Banyan tRee
Macau has debuted a unique floating stage among its numerous venues available for stylish weddings in the former Portuguese enclave now transformed into a world entertainment capital. Also romantic wedding packages are available in Western and Chinese style.
Hotel Muse
Bangkok
On one evening only, Thursday, 15 December 2011, Medici Kitchen & Bar at Hotel Muse Bangkok presents a superb wine dinner featuring one of Italy’s most venerated labels, Antinori. For the exclusive event, Tuscan native Chef Francesco Lenzi has created a six-course menu carefully composed to suit each wine’s distinguished characteristics. ReseRvation: +66 26 304 000
eastin Hotels anD ResiDenCes Bangkok
In January of 2012 Eastin Hotel and Residences will operate the new address in prime business center of Bangkok. The coming property will be called EASTIN GRAND HOTEL SATHORN BANGKOK.
CentaRa GRoup
Bangkok
Rebranding of Centara group which are Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin, and Centara Hotel Hat Yai are made to announce a strong and positive 25-year partnership between Accor, owner of the Sofitel brand, and Centara, a relationship that began with what was then the Sofitel Hua Hin in 1986.
Dusit tHani
Phuket
Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket made announcement of the second consecutive year won two prestigious awards: Thailand’s Leading Beach Resort and Thailand’s Leading Golf Resort at the Asia & Australasia World Travel Awards Gala Ceremony held on 28 September at Dusit Thani Bangkok.
GRaCe BeijinG CHina
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China
The award-winning boutique hotels brand, Grace Hotels Beijing has officially opened its door of the new boutique hotel for the Chinese capital on September of 2011.
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what’s now
lanGHaM Bangkok
tHe DoMe, toWeR CluB at leBua
The Tower Club at lebua will be offering a wealth of exciting and wonderful fabulous gala dinner to celebrate New Years Eve 2011 by The Dome’s internationally awarded cuisine with an exquisite selection of world renowned top fine dining restaurants and bars as well as superb entertainment for your party night.
Hong Kong
Langham launched four new tea blends which can be enjoyed in the hotel’s elegant surroundings or purchased as a memory of an enchanting stay and heritage afternoon tea.
one&only tHe palM Hong Kong
Yannick Alléno, introduces a unique variety of hand-picked premium teas, full bodied, high quality, organic and fair trade single origin coffee beans from South America and sweets featuring the much appreciated French pastry Selection. “Afternoon Thé Gourmand” at STAY by Yannick Alléno is served from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., from Tuesday through to Sunday.
ReetHi RaH MaRRiott inteRnational South East Asia
Marriott International South East Asia announces the promotion of Philip Bryson to the position of Area Vice President to take full operational responsibility for the properties in Thailand, The Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia.
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Maldives
One&Only Reethi Rah in The Maldives is hosting two wellness consultants Dr. Buathon Thienarrom, a renowned holistic practitioner and Orapin Soon, a hypnotherapy expert this winter to offer the unparalleled holistic and hypnotherapy journeys during the luxury holiday from 1-15 November 2011.
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what’s now silveRsea Singapore
Ultra luxurious Silversea is offering a fascinating 59 day Grand Voyage on Silver Whisper from Singapore to Monte Carlo aboard the chic 382-guest in March to May 2012.
le MeRiDien South East Asia
Join Le Meridien for culinary journey from Thailand to Korea, India, Malaysia, China and Japan. The latest recipe’s oriental dinner buffet offers the signature dishes of “Tom Yam Seafood Rice under a crisp lemongrass crust and Crab Claws in curry and milk baked in the clay oven” and unforgettable tasty experience.
tHe HelM oF ZuMa Hong Kong
Zuma welcomes Executive Chef, Yoshi Muranaka, to lead the cooking team at THE HELM OF ZUMA HONG KONG as he approaches his 10 successful years with the internationally acclaimed Japanese restaurant.
Bangkok, 20 October 2011 the developer behind the prestigious ‘The Estates, Samui’ has started to promote the second phase of the luxury development for sale.
KoWloon sHanGRi-la Hong Kong
KOWLOON SHANGRI-LA, HONG KONG offers the highest level of services and luxury to you by launching a new fleet of limousines, including seven bespoke Mercedes-Benz S350L Series sedans and two five-seater Viano vans. Together with the two existing sevenseater vans, Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong now has the largest fleet of hotelowned limousines, facilitating guests’ enjoyment of Shangri-La’s warm hospitality even before arriving at the hotel. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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Samui, Thailand
tHe estates
Mae jo GolF CluB anD ResoRt Chiang Mai, Thailand
Mae Jo Golf Club and Resort launches Mae Jo Golf Club Charity Day for flood victim on 12 November 2011 to support victims of flood by sending benefit from the charity day to Thailand’s Red Cross Society.
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be trend
New year best gifts for her
as tHe 2012 Is COMInG CLOse, nOW traVeL asIa Has tHe Best GIFts FOr Her, YOur sPeCIaL Ones. QUATRE SAISONS QUATRE SAISONS OF FRANK MULLER GENEVE OFFERS BRILLIANT, ELEGANT AND REFINED INTERPRETATION OF THE FOUR SEASONS. THE DOUBLE MYSTERY QUATRE SAISONS COMES WITH A 42MM DIAMETER CASE SET WITH 338 DIAMONDS AND 273 ROUND COLOURED STONES, AVAILABLE IN 18CT PINK OR WHITE GOLD. THERE IS A SELF-WINDING MECHANICAL MOVEMENT WITH A POWER RESERVE OF 42 HOURS. THIS LUXURY TIME PIECE WILL IMPRESS YOUR SPECIAL ONE.
NO 5 CHANEL
FOR
her
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THE LUXURIOUS ITEM OF CHANEL WHICH IS DESIRABLE, IT IS NOW AND FOREVER FRAGRANCE OFFERING AN ULTIMATE IN FEMININITY. ANELEGANT, LUXURIOUS SPRAY IS GOING TO BE UNFORGETTABLE GIFT AND THE SLEEK, PORTABLE SIGNATURE BOTTLE IS PERFECT FOR THE DRESSING TABLE AND TRAVEL.
NAPPA GAUFRE PRADA FEATURES NAPPA GAUFRE WHICH IS THE IMPRESSIVE FROM THE SOPHISTICATED PRODUCTION. IT IS NEVER OUT OF TREND. THE BAG IS DESIGNED WITH RUCHED NAPPA LEATHER IN A BEAUTIFUL CURVED TOP SHAPE. NAPPA GAUFRE IS THE PERFECT TO BE A MEMORABLE GIFT OF 2012.
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23 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 11/7/11 6:56 PM
be trend
New year best gifts for him
FOR
him PRADA UOMO
PRADA UOMO IS NEVER OUT OF TREND BAG. IT WILL BE THE BEST MEMORY OF THE COMING 2012 AS IT IS LUXURY, COOL, AND IMPRESSIVE. YOUR SPECIAL PERSON WILL TAKE THIS SURPRISE AS THE FIRST UNFORGETTABLE GIFT OF HIS LIFE. PRADA UOMO ACCESSORIES AS THE HIGH CLASS ITEM THAT EMBODY THE PERFECT LOOK, IT IS DESIGNED TO BE PART OF COOL FASHION FOR MEN. ALL UOMO MEN ACCESSORIES ARE CLASSY PRESENTS TO EXPRESS HOW SPECIAL OF HIM TO YOU.
Get reaDY FOr 2012 WeLCOMInG PartY anD DO nOt FOrGet tO PrePare tHe unFOrGettaBLe surPrIse FOr HIM. VERSACE BELT MADE FROM THE BEST QUALITY OF VERSACE LEATHER IN COOL STYLE, THIS BELT SUPPOSES TO GO WITH YOU ON ANY VACATION OR EVEN YOUR WORKING DAY. SMART AND COOL LOOKING IS PHILOSOPHY OF THIS BELT.
ULYSSE NARDIN ULYSSE NARDIN RIDES THE SURF WITH INNOVATIVE BLACK SEA WATCH OF ULYSSE NARDIN, THE NEWEST ADDITION TO THEIR MAXI MARINE DIVER COLLECTION IS CREATED FOR THOSE PASSIONATE ABOUT AQUATIC SPORTS, THE BLACK SEA HONORS ULYSSE NARDIN’S NAUTICAL LEGACY IN HAUTE HOROLOGY. THIS MARINE WATCH IS PERFECT FOR ANY TRIP OR EVEN UNDERWATER AS THE WATCH IS 200 METERS WATERPROOF.
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tech traveler
SMART CAMERA
all in one shooting
SONY CYBER-SHOT MODEL DSC-TX55 SONY LAUNCHED NEW CAMERA CYBER-SHOT TX55 WITH 16.2-MEGAPIXEL SENSOR AND PROMISES ‘EXTREMELY LOW’ NOISE IN DIM LIGHT. THE CAMERA FEATURES A BACKSIDE ILLUMINATED CMOS SENSOR AND STABILIZED 5X ZOOM LENS. THE TX55 CAN CAPTURE 1080I60 MOVIES AND STORE THEM ON THE MICROSD/SDHC OR MEMORY STICK MICRO CARDS IT USES TO KEEP THE BODY SIZE DOWN TO AN IMPRESSIVELY SLIM 12.2MM DEEP. BEYOND THIS IT HAS A 3.3” OLED TOUCH SCREEN, THE NOW-STANDARD SONY FEATURES SUCH AS 3D SWEEP PANORAMA AND GAINS THE ‘PICTURE EFFECTS’ IMAGE PROCESSING FILTERS THAT DEBUTED IN THE NEX C3. IT IS DESIGNED TO REDEFINE WHAT A COMPACT CAMERA CAN DO WHICH IS PERFECT FOR ALL KIND OF YOUR TRIP.
EXPRESS EVERY EMOTION THROUGH THE LATEST UPDATE DIGITAL CAMERAS.
NIKON 1 J1 AND NIKON 1 V1, THE FIRST TWO NIKON 1 DIGITAL CAMERAS NIKON 1 J1-WITH THE CONCEPT OF CREATE AND EXPRESS AS NEVER BEFORE, NIKON 1 J1 IS FOR THE FREEDOM TO CAPTURE, COMMUNICATE AND CONNECT TO LIFE. BRINGING QUALITY, DEPTH AND PASSION TO VISUAL STORYTELLING AND SPARK CONVERSATIONS THROUGH PHOTOS, MOVIES AND MULTIMEDIA, YOUR ZEST FOR LIFE IS FUELED BY A DESIRE TO COMMUNICATE ALL THAT YOU EXPERIENCE. DURING THE UNFORGETTABLE TRIP, YOU CAN SHARE THE VERY INCREDIBLE WORLD OF YOURS THROUGH NIKON 1.
CANNON IXUS 310 HS-EVEN MORE INTUITION TOUCH PANEL EXPERIENCE WITH TECHNOLOGY OF CANNON DIGITAL IXUS 310 HS, YOU CAN CHOOSE AN AF POINT, SET EXPOSURE SETTING AND RECORD VIDEOS. THE IXUS 310 HS IS PACKED WITH RICH FEATURES LIKE AN F2.0 BRIGHT LENS, THE CANON’S HS SYSTEM, FULL HD VIDEO AND 24 MM ULTRA WIDE-ANGLE LENS SO EVERY MOMENT IS CAPTURED IN PURE CANON BRILLIANCE.
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art & entertainment
The Rising of AsiAn film mARkeT
B
usan International Film Festival is previously Pusan International Film Festival, PIFF. It is the first international film festival of Korea and one of the most significant film festivals in Asia. The first Busan International Film Festival held in 1996. It is annually in Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea. The focus of the BIFF is introducing new films and first-time directors, especially those from Asian countries. The Asian Film Market 2011 at the 16th Busan International Film Fes-
tival came to an end successfully after 4 days of journey. The Asian Film Market in its sixth edition, took place at Busan Exhibition Convention Center with highly participants and corporations as well as various events that paid off the business results. The total number of the badge holders for the 2010 was 789, but this year, the number badge holder reached 1080. It was a sharp increasing of 113% in exhibition booth, 109 booths from 177 companies in 28 countries were gathered to meet the film industry professional. At the first day, the number of participants had been explosively in-
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creased to 4,321 and the average is 2,800 people. Busan International Film Festival is the best demonstration to show how Asian Film Market has growing. As on red carpet of the festival, there are many famous stars from all around Asia with non stop flashing from huge group of mass media. Asian Film Market is now heading to the Asian Total Business Market containing all the film business area from the development to the sales is expecting the more explosive growth in the future.
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The BesT AchievemenT ever AT Busan InternatIonal FIlm FestIval 2011
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cover story
asIa rIsInG c i t i e s NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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WHILST THE WORLD KEEPS MOVING FORWARD, ASIAN COUNTRIES ALSO TAKE THE EXPLICATION TO BE THE GLOBAL LEADING LIKE AMERICA AND EUROPE. WITH PLENTY OF TOURISM RESOURCE AND DEVELOPED PEOPLE WITH LIFESTYLE, ASIA’S EXPECTATION IS TURNING TO BE NUMBER ONE AT SOME POINT. IN THIS ISSUE, ASIA RISING CITIES, NOW TRAVEL ASIA PROUDLY DEMONSTRATES 3 RISING STARS OF ASIA (Mumbai, Abu Dhabi, and Beijing) AND NEW TRAVEL TRENDS INCLUDING PLACE, ARCHITECTURE, and also liFestYle oF each citY that alwaYs catch UPwith GloBal trend while reveal their own identitY.
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MUMBAI IS FORMERLY KNOWN AS BOMBAY. IT IS THE CAPITAL AND THE RICHEST CITY OF THE INDIAN. IT IS ThE MOST pOpuLOuS CITy IN INDIA, AND ThE SIxTh MOST pOpuLOuS CITy IN ThE WORLD WITh A pOpuLATION Of AppROxIMATELy 20.5 MILLION. MuMBAI LIES ON ThE WEST COAST Of INDIA AND hAS A DEEp NATuRAL hARBOuR. IN 2009, MuMBAI WAS NAMED AN ALphA WORLD CITy.
CHarMInG rIsInG star MuMBAI IS ThE BIGGEST COMMERCIAL AND ENTERTAINMENT COMpLEx Of INDIA. IT IS ALSO ONE Of ThE WORLD’S TOp 10 CENTERS Of COMMERCE IN TERMS Of GLOBAL fINANCIAL fLOW. ThE CITy ALSO hOuSES BOLLyWOOD, ThE BIGGEST fILM INDuSTRy Of ThE WORLD WITh ThE hIGhLy INCOME. MOREOVER, TAJ MAhAL pALACE, MuMBAI ThE fAMOuS hOTEL WhICh IS ThE BEST REpRESENTATIVE Of MuMBAI AND IS ALL TIME SMAShING GLOBAL ATTENTION. AND ALSO TAJ fALAkNuMA pALACE, ThE NEW hOTEL Of TAJ WhICh IS ONE Of ThE MASTER pIECES Of TAJ GROup.
Mumbai attracts travelers all over the world with the enchantment of lifestyle and business trend. Let’s explore the enchantment of Mumbai.
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THE GRANDEUR OF TAJ FALUKNAMA PALACE
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MuMBaI’s toUchaBle ornament AS THE ADORABLE CITY, MUMBAI IS RICH IN THE ORNAMENT. TO TOUCH THE SENSE OF MUMBAI’S PROSPERITY, THERE IS THE BEST HOSPITALITY OF TAJ HOTEL GROUP THAT REPRESENTS EVERYTHING MUMBAI IS. TAJ HOTEL GROUP IS ONE OF THE WORLD LEADING HOTELS. TAJ OFFERS THE TOUCHABLE ORNAMENT OF MUMBAI IN THE FINEST HOTELS OF TAJ MAHAL PALACE AND TAJ FALUKNUMA.
Both hotels are palatial and once you visit the hotels, you got no chance to forget them. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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eLeGant PaLaCe OF MuMBaI tHe reFLeCtIOn OF tHe aLPHa WOrLD
T
years before the Gateway of India which is was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay, prior to the Delhi Durbar, in December 1911.
ing in the front row of world leading and favorite luxury hotel destination for classy travelers. Some even only come straight to Mumbai just to stay at The Taj Mahal Place.
The Taj Mahal Palace is the best representative of Mumbai and long time famous. The history of Mumbai and The Taj Mahal Palace has dramatically intertwined. Standing at the first landmark in Mumbai, The hotel is built 21
Taj is the site of the first licensed bar in Mumbai. For more than a century, the Taj has played an important role in the essential of the city, attracts many travelers from all over the world, being the greatest landmark of the city, reflects the picture of Mumbai through out the world and even hosted Maharajas. The Taj Mahal Palace is a truly chronicle of Mumbai. Now a day, the hotel is stand-
Behind every pillar of Taj Mahal Palace, there is a story to tell. As a treasure-trove of invaluable memorabilia, a landmark deal in every boardroom, and a storied celebration under every awning, once in your life you should come visit to be a part of the legend.
he new look of Taj Mahal Palace after, Taj was renovated after terrorist attack in 2008. After the tragedy even, the hotel has fallen to the somber days but in very short time Taj get itself back on the stage with the new look but still consigns the enchant of Mumbai like before and always.
The Taj Mahal Palace was built in 1903. It is the flagship hotel of the Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces. Providing 560 rooms including 44 suites are situated on the sea front and overlook the majestic Gateway of India or Mumbai’s prime historical and commercial hub. The Taj has the same architecture of Indian Palace but in 1973 the Tower wing was added in 1973. Architecturally different, but in synch with the spirit of the Palace, the Tower added 20 storeys of arches and balconies and began a new chapter in the hotel’s rich history.
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You can choose to spend your fantastic night in the palace or tower. All accommodations are ensured to go beyond your expectations. The remarkable lend of old-world elegance and modern facilities is there awaits travelers who seek for the great reflection of India’s daintiness. Every aspect of your stay will be infused with the trademark hospitality that has made Taj Mumbai a longstanding member of The Leading Hotels of the World.
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the taj signature suites and the Presidential suite are unquestionably the finest suites at the taj mahal Palace, mumbai. These suites house a
magnificent collection of artifacts, original paintings and antiques that exude great elegance and style.
the Presidential suite and the rajPut suite have been home to many heads of state, celebrities and ceos. the suites feature a grand living room, a Private Patio with Port harbor and city view, a master bedroom and a Private balcony overlooking the gateway of india
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sKY PaVeD WItH GOLD LtHe neW LeGenD OF taJ HOteLs resOrts anD PaLaCes The formerly Taj Maharaja was under construction between 1928 and 1943, fOR h.h.
MAhARAJA uMAID SINGh JI, GRAND fAThER Of ThE pRESENT MAhARAJA. WITh ThIS ExCLuSIVITy, TAJ IS fILLED WITh GOLD ATMOSphERE IN EVERy pART.
T
aj Faluknuma Palace offers the walk way of King through the fantastic palace in the sky which is European royalty, enchanting Begums and distinguished Heads of State. At the height of 2000 feet above the city of Hyderabud, Taj Faluknuma Palace allows you to journey the clouds and into the glided ages, where grandeur and excess is celebrated and savoured in equal measure of 60 gorgeous refurbished and lovingly restores rooms. Special like nowhere else, Taj Faluknuma Palace offers the unique experience of 60 different ways to feel like royalty in the 60 breathtakingly luxurious guestrooms and suites. Taj Faluknuma is hardly to forget with its large Venetian chandeliers, rare furniture, grand marble staircases and gurgling fountains, priceless statues, and objets d’art, stained-glass windows, unique sketches and murals encased in ornate frames, a world-class collection of crystal as well as the Mughal, Rajasthani and Japanese gardens personally conceived by the Nizam. The royal family of Hyderabad leased the The former residence of the Nizam of Hyderabad rightfully to the Taj Group of Hotels to the Taj Group of Hotels Resorts and Palaces with Royal Family members having personally supervised part of the Palace’s refurbishment.
Palatial hosPitalitY
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Providing experience the famed Nizam’s hospitality which was once the sole preserve of royalty. As the new legend of Taj, There is also a story behind the wonderful building. The building was built in 1894. The palace took ten years and four million rupees for its magnificent. The physical evolution in the shape of a scorpion was designed by British architect, William Mard Marret. The royal palace took a rumoured 22 years to perfect and has been owned in turn by Sir Vicar-Ul-Umra, PM of the State of Hyderabad, Nizam Mahboob Ali Pasha and Mir Osman Ali Khan Bahadur. The new legend of Taj Group of Hotels Resorts and Palaces has started since 1995. The Taj Group of Hotels begun restoring the palace into accommodate the privileged in 60 glamorous rooms and suites with the extravagance of the ’then‘ with all the comfort of the ’now‘. historical suites the historical suites of taj falaknuma Palace's are also called Pincer suites. it Provides the standing still time in delicate edwardian artwork, antique furniture, grand high ceilings and luscious fabrics Personally. This is
very special experience that Taj Faluknuma is the one and only who projects this experience as everything of Pincer Suites is handpicked by Her Highness Princess Ezra.
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tHe GLOrIOus nuMBers OF BOLLYWOODuntOLD stOrY BeHInD tHe sCene
Mumbai is the house of Bollywood, the world’s biggest movie producer. During your trip at Mumbai, you may get to see movie making process down the road. As we know Bollywood is one of the biggest movie producers of the world, it is one of the right ingredients to make Mumbai keeps rising up and distracts many travelers all around the world.
BIGGest FILM InDustrY OF tHe WOrLD
Memorable scene from slumdog millionaire
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1970
1,000-1,200 is the number of movies produced in a year
2008
the term "Bollywood" has begun
is the year Bollywood released slumdog millionaire, one of the most successful movie.
100,000,000 x many$ is revenue from exporting movies
The famous film industry of India, Bollywood has been around for very long time to project the entertainment. As it owns the highest number of movie produced in every year, the untold fact about interesting number of Bollywood has now comes to your way.
50%
$ was the value of Bollywood in 2006
is the rate of Bollywood’s growth in each year
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19
3,000,000,000
is the number of slumdog millionaire’s academy awards record
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ABu DhABI IS ThE CApITAL AND ThE SECOND LARGEST CITy IN ThE uNITED ARAB EMIRATES. IT IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST MODERN CITIES. ABu DhABI STANDS ON A T-ShApED ISLAND JuTTING INTO ThE pERSIAN GuLf fROM ThE CENTRAL WESTERN COAST. ABu DhABI hOuSES IMpORTANT OffICES Of ThE fEDERAL GOVERNMENT, AND IS ThE hOME fOR ThE ABu DhABI EMIRI fAMILy AND ThE pRESIDENT Of ThE uAE fROM ThIS fAMILy.
nOn-stOP rIsInG star ABu DhABI hAS GROWN TO BE A COSMOpOLITAN METROpOLIS. IT hAS QuICkLy DEVELOpMENT COupLED WITh ThE RELATIVELy hIGh AVERAGE INCOME Of ITS pOpuLATION, hAS TRANSfORMED ABu DhABI TO A LARGER AND ADVANCED METROpOLIS. NOW ThE CITy IS ONE Of ThE WORLD’S LARGEST pRODuCERS Of OIL, ABu DhABI hAS ACTIVELy ATTEMpTED TO DIVERSIfy ITS ECONOMy IN RECENT yEARS ThROuGh INVESTMENTS IN fINANCIAL SERVICES AND TOuRISM. MOREOVER fORTuNE & CNN STATED ThAT ABu DhABI IS ThE RIChEST CITy IN ThE WORLD. IN GLOBAL pOINT Of VIEW, ThIS CITy Of pROSpERITy ALWAyS hAS SOMEThING ThAT pEOpLE AROuND ThE WORLD GET STuNNED ON. Let’s step to the richness of Abu Dhabi.
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tHe rePresentatIVe oF aBU dhaBi’s nOVeLtY As the rising city of Asia, Abu Dhabi offers one of the world’s finest shopping experiences. You can find red-hot fashion items, super luxury watches, LEADING BRAND NAMES OF THE WORLD AND ETC.
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LarGest sHOPPInG MaLL tOns OF sPeCIaL PreMIses
shoPPinG
Central Market IS ANOThER GRAND pROJECT Of ALDAR pROpERTIES. ThE MARkET IS ThE BIGGEST CLASSy ShOppING MALL Of ABu DhABI. CENTRAL MARkET hOLDS A VERy SpECIAL pLACE IN ThE hISTORy Of ABu DhABI. IN ThE EARLy 1960S, when the capital began to flourish and grow, the city centre became home to a large commercial souk.
F
or over 40 years, it has been a focal point for both citizens and tourists, and the hub of trade where merchants from the UAE and beyond gathered to bargain for wares from across the Gulf. The new Central Market has two major shopping components, the Souk and Emporium. the souk at central market Now, recreated as an airy, light space that fuses Arabian heritage with modern twists, The Souk at Central Market always presents new discoveries. With 250 stores and nearly 20 cafes and restaurants set across three levels, The Souk is the place to go for watches and jewellery, perfumes, gifts, herbals, spices, Evening dresses, local apparel and electronics, a modern day market in traditional, yet thoroughly modern surroundings.
emporium at central market Emporium is Central Market's prestigious shopping address and Abu Dhabi's prime fashion destination. The elegant multi-level podium stretches across 60,000sqm featuring 150 shops and 20 cafes and restaurants. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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FerrarI’s InnOVatIVe tHeMe ParK
GranD PrIX’s Venue
sPeeD WOrLD In aBu DHaBI eXCeLLenCe teCHnOLOGY tHeMe ParK
T
he miraculous theme park, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi belongs to Aldar Properties and it is the result from a close relationship between Ferrari and Aldar Properties. From the dream to create a multi-experiential theme park, Ferrari World reflects excellence and innovative technology of Ferrari. Being the world’s first Ferrari Theme park
and largest attraction of its kind, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is an intense multi-sensory experience and a mustvisit for families, fans and enthusiasts. At the park, you will find more than 20 Ferrari-inspired rides and attractions, including a diverse array of rides for adults and children, a wide variety of Italian delicacies, and unique shopping experiences. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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Yas MarIna CIrCuIt
T
he Yas Marina Circuit is the famous venue for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The circuit was designed by Hermann Tilke, a German engineer and auto racer, who has designed numerous Formula One motor racing circuits. Yas Marina is situated on Yas Island and only 30 minutes from the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi. Yas Marina is the second Formula One track in the Middle East, with the first being in Bahrain. Yas Marina Circuit is the world’s one and only motorsports venue with all of the grandstands are covered and part of its pit lane exit runs underneath the track for premium motorsport events. With tuition and driving packages available at the Yas Racing School, Yas Drag Racing Centre and Yas Kartzone, you will engage in a real complete driving experience.
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ue
uIt
2012 cominG aDDress
aBu DHaBI ICOn
J
LanDMarK HOteL OF aBu DHaBI
umeirah at Etihad Towers is opened in the progressive, sophisticated, international city of  Abu Dhabi. It is the first Jumeirah of Abu Dhabi. Being dramatic sculptural form and spectacular design innovation set the new scale for luxury experience, every experience from Jumeirah is unique and special. On the magnificent beachside set-
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ting of the Etihad Towers, Etihad offers 3 residential towers, 1 office tower, and the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers hotel. This landmark hotel comprises of 382 rooms and suites and 199 serviced residences. Staying at Jumeirah will be extravagant with sophisticated decoration, gorgeous art, and furnishings offer stylish comfort.
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18 DeGrees LeanInG HOteL Best PLaCe tO OVer LOOK aBu DHaBI
The another new fabulous hotel that make Abu Dhabi rising up, A record-breaking 18 degrees leaning premium business hotel is standing in the iconic Capital Gate building, hyATT CApITAL GATE ABu DhABI IS A pART Of ThE NATIONAL ExhIBITION CENTRE (ADNEC), ThE LARGEST CONfERENCE AND ExhIBITION VENuE IN the Middle East.
H
yatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi has a contemporary and luxurious design with panoramic views from floor-to-ceiling windows and comprises 189 luxury five-star guestrooms and suites occupying the18th to 33rd floors of the Capital Gate building. Besides luxury hotel, Hyatt is bringing a new focus to style and design in the city, the hotel invites you to experience several dining options from the variety in the Lobby Café to delicate Eastern Mediterranean flavours at the hotel’s signature restaurant, 18˚. There is the residential-style Lounge or the sleek bar Privé which is located next to the hotel’s four Salon meeting rooms. You will find everything intimately.
a recordBreaKinG
arCHIteCture
Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi is strategically located in the best location within walking distance of the government district and UAE capital’s embassy. It is less than ten minutes’ drive from the UAE Armed Forces General Headquarters and the twofour54 media zone. The international airport is just 15-minute drive.
Rayana Spa, abu dhabi’s only “sky spa”, is Perched on the 19th floor overlooking the city. the sPa offers “a refreshingly elevated oasis experience” that comPlements the fitness centre, susPended outdoor Pool and whirlPool. rayana is the best Place for relax and also magnificent view of abu dhabi.
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dashinG liFestYle in
tHe aDDress OF GranDeur GenuIne araBIC HOsPItaLItY fAIRMONT IS ONE Of ThE BEST hOTEL LEADERS IN ThE GLOBAL hOSpITALITy INDuSTRy, WITh A DISTINCTIVE COLLECTION AND A WORLDWIDE REpuTATION fOR ExCELLENCE. WITh DIVERSE pORTfOLIO Of hISTORIC ICONS, ELEGANT RESORTS AND MODERN CITy CENTER pROpERTIES,
Fairmont provide a superior experience from the beaches of Hawaii and Bermuda to the heart of New York City, and many countries in Asia. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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T
he perfect ingredients of the combination between cutting edge design and a warm tradition of genuine Arabic hospitality is certain to exceed your highest expectations.
During the Abu Dhabi film festival. Fairmont Bab Al Bahr was the officiaclly address and hosting film screenings and other activities on the hotel premises. Besides the best hospitality, Fairmont offers Fairmont Gold to project the best luxuriant service. You will be greeted at the front door and escorted to the private Fairmont Gold reception. The flawless service of the Fairmont gold is to ensure the best offer every second of your stay. Helping you make the most of every moment, after you immerse yourself in the Fairmont Gold experience once, you’ll never want to stay anywhere else.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr displays its contemporary architecture on a prime location at the mainland gateway to the cosmopolitan city of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The hotel expresses the high level of comfort and elegant through the finest accommodation of 369 guestrooms and suites which all the most luxury hotel rooms. Fairmont is the ultimate exclusive lifestyle hotel experience that you should not miss. It is the best of grandeur life of Abu Dhabi. This business hotel reviews the greatness of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and provides easy access to the city centre and main exhibitions facilities. The Abu Dhabi International Airport and city’s numerous golf courses are just stone thrown from the hotel.
fairmont gold vista suite the fairmont gold vista suite features a sPacious living sPace, a well aPPointed bathroom,accessible by Private elevator, and a guest bathroom. guests can also enjoy exclusive fairmont gold lounge access, Private check-in/check-out, on-call butler service and besPoke viP amenities. this suite can accommodate uP to 15 PeoPle for Private functions.
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2011–12 volvo ocean race The 2011–12 Volvo Ocean Race is the famous yacht race of the world that going to start with an in-port race in Alicante, Spain on the 29th of October 2011 and the route will go to Cape Town, Abu Dhabi, Sanya, Auckland and on to Itajaí. After Brazil, the next stop is Miami and then across the Atlantic to Lisbon followed by Lorient and the race will finish with an in-port race in Galway, Ireland on the 7th of July 2012. This is the 11th edition of the round the world Volvo Ocean Race. There are seven teams confirmed to the Volvo Ocean Race that they will definitely be on the start line. However, at this time only six of the seven teams are public and there are said to be over 10 more syndicates that are actively working on entering a team. Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing’s crew is one of the 7 teams of 20112012 Volvo Ocean Race. From an emirate with a rich maritime history, dawns a new era in ocean racing. The team will take the emirate’s name to the high-sea and fly the flag around the globe in this ‘Everest of Sailing’. Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing’s crew is waiting to stake its claim in one of the world's toughest, most extreme sporting challenges. You can join the adventure, and follow the action as the first Middle East host port of the Volvo Ocean Race, and its first destination partner, fights its way through the high seas in the 2011-2012 event.
world class event in
With the honorably mission, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing is committed to assembling one of the most competitive. As the Abu Dhabi’s representative in the world’s ocean race, the team has to strike their best to make the best place in this race of glorious.
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Ian Walker of Great Britain is the
Leader of the team. He is a twotime Olympic medalist. During the grand racing of the world he will skipper Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing. Walker, a father of two, was the skipper and sailing manager of the 2002 British America's Cup Team. He has accrued a wealth of sailing experience in a two-decade long career, which includes coaching the 2004 British Olympic Gold medal winning women's keelboat sailing team, winning the TP52 Global Championship, and leading the 2008-09 Volvo Ocean Race outfit, Green Dragon – one of only three teams to finish every leg of the event unassisted.
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FlaG carrier oF
aBu DHaBI’s FLaG CarrIer natIOnaL aIrLIne OF unIteD araB eMIrates
E
tihad airways was established in 2003. The airline is the most famous flag carrier of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates and started the first operation on November a year later. The airline goes over 46 countries. Etihad operates no less than 1,000 flights in a week to 70 destinations, via a fleet of 61 aircraft. The main base of Etihad is Abu Dhabi International Airport and the head office is in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi. Its operation is heavily centered in Europe and Asia, as well as Oceania, Africa and North America.
The growth of Etihad airways is jumping from carrying 340,000 passengers in 2004, the first full year of operation to 7.1 million passengers in 2010. Etihad makes a notable place in the world’s leading airlines. It was awarded the World's Leading Airline in 2009 and 2010 by the World Travel Awards. In addition to its core activity of passenger transportation, Etihad Crystal Cargo of Etihad airways also earns significant revenue from its cargo operation. To project the finest airline with flawless service, Etihad employs almost NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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8,000 staffs representing over 120 nationalities from around the world. The airline are also committed to pioneering opportunities for the UAE’s national population, and through our Emiratisation Program, offer a wide range of training opportunities for Emiratis, including a cadet pilot scheme, a technical engineering development program and a graduate management development program. Your flight of Etihad Airways is guarantee with high quality working members. The flight and service will surely go beyond your expectations.
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BEIJING IS ThE CApITAL CITy Of ChINA. IT IS ONE OF THE MOST
POPULOUS CITIES IN THE WORLD WITH THE HIGH POPULATION OF 19,612,368 LAST YEAR. BEIJING IS ThE COuNTRy’S pOLITICAL, CuLTuRAL, EDuCATIONAL AND MILITARy CENTER, INTERNATIONAL BuSINESS, AND COMMuNICATION CENTER.
sHInInG DraGOn EVEN BEIJING IS ThE CApITAL CITy BuT IT IS ONE Of ThE SIx ANCIENT CITIES IN ChINA. BEING ThE hEART AND SOuL Of pOLITICS AND SOCIETy ThROuGhOuT ITS LONG hISTORy AND CONSEQuENTLy, ThERE IS AN uNpARALLELED WEALTh Of DISCOVERy TO DELIGhT AND INTRIGuE TRAVELERS. yOu CAN VIEW ThE BEAuTy Of BEIJING'S ANCIENT pAST WhILE WALk IN ThE ARMS Of MARVELOuS MODERN DEVELOpMENT. NOW BEIJING hAS BECOME ONE Of ThE MOST pOpuLAR TOuRIST DESTINATIONS IN ThE WORLD, WITh OVER 4.4 MILLION INTERNATIONAL VISITORS IN A yEAR. ONE MONTh IN BEIJING, you can experience the best
culinary of celebrity chefs from all around the world every day and even change the celebrity chef everyday. Let’s discover the shining Beijing. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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TINSEL LAN CLUB BAR
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IMPressIVe dininG in BeiJinG
BEIJING IS FAMOUS IN CULINARY AND FINEST DINING. As many celebrity chefs appear in
restaurants of Beijing, don’t forget to experience the special me al by 8 intelligence cuisines that NOW Travel Asia has stated in the next 7 pages.
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tHe aPPearInG OF CHInese eXeCutIVe CHeF CHeF stanLeY Yuan at HILtOn BeIJInG hILTON BEIJING WANGfuJING SETS ThE STANDARD fOR MODERN COMfORT. DESIGNED AS A ChIC AND INTIMATE LIfESTyLE hOTEL, ThE hOTEL IS IDEALLy LOCATED ON Wangfujing Street, ONE Of BEIJING’S MOST pRESTIGIOuS ADDRESSES. ThE pROpERTy pROVIDES EASy ACCESS TO ThE CITy’S pROMINENT COMMERCIAL AND CuLTuRAL CENTERS, AND IS A ShORT WALk fROM MANy MAJOR TOuRIST AND ShOppING ATTRACTIONS. There is also the
M
most famous dining house of Beijing that you should not miss.
oreover, now come the newly-appointed Chinese Executive Chef at Hilton Beijing Wangfujing, Stanley Yuen left his hometown of Hong Kong for Beijing almost two decades ago, where, apart from a two-year stint in Indonesia, he has lived ever since. Despite cultural and language differences, it didn’t take him long to make the decision to try his luck in the Chinese capital. Young, energetic and ambitious, he put everything into becoming a success. Despite his success, Chef Stanley Yuen must be one of the most earnest and down-to-earth people in
the restaurant world. In 1996, he was awarded the prestigious International Five Star Diamond Award by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences. Only one chef in the world has the opportunity to win this annual award at that time, and Chef Yuen was the first Asian ever to win it. However, when asked about the award, he is humble to a fault, explaining that he never even expected to be in the competition. According to Chef Yuen, health is the most important aspect of cooking. To serve healthy food, chefs must ensure food safety. Because of the often high temperatures, and risk of cross transmission, kitchens are prone to NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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contamination. In order to serve safe food, Chef Yuen asks his kitchen team to categorise and tag the raw ingredients, and to always store them in the refrigerator. Chef Yuen is also keen on experimenting with organic ingredients: “Although it is unrealistic to employ organic ingredients in every dish because of availability and cost, I use them whenever I can,” he says. Experience the best culinary from this celebrity chef is going to be one of your unforgettable memory. It is extraordinary and rare experience as Chef Yuan is the first Asian who won the prestigious International Five Star Diamond Award which only has one and only winner annually.
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a tHree MICHeLIn star reLaIs & CHÂteauX MeMBer CHeF-OWner OF seVeraL aWarD-WInnInG restaurants MAISON BOuLuD, BEIJING IS fRENCh fINE DINING IN BEIJING. ThE SETTING Of MAISON IS ThE fORMER uNITED STATES EMBASSy IN A WALLED COMpOuND ADJACENT TO TIANANMEN SQuARE. You will find Daniel Boulud and his expert
team serves best French cuisine prepared with local and pacific Rim ingredients.
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three michelin star restaurant
D
aniel Boulud is Chef-Owner of several award-winning restaurants and the Feast & Fêtes catering company. While he hails from Lyon, France, it is in New York that he has truly mastered the dining scene and is today considered one of America’s leading culinary authorities. Daniel Boulud’s New York City restaurants include DANIEL, a three Michelin star Relais & Châteaux member; the elegant Café Boulud with its adjacent Bar Pleiades; the more casual DB Bistro Moderne; Bar Boulud and DBGB Kitchen and Bar. Two new Manhattan destinations opened on the Upper West Side in May 2011, Boulud Sud, a Mediterranean themed restaurant, and Épicerie Boulud, an eat-in and take-out
market and café offering house-made charcutierie, salads, soups, sandwiches, artisanal cheeses, bread and pastries, ice cream and more.
“World’s 50 Best Restaurants.” The Chef ’s culinary style is reflected in his six cookbooks and his “After Hours with Daniel” television series.
Boulud’s culinary accolades include James Beard Foundation awards for “Outstanding Restaurant,” “Outstanding Restaurateur,” “Best Chef, New York City” and “Outstanding Chef of the Year.” In addition, he has been named “Chef of the Year” by the Culinary Institute of America and Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur by the French government. Restaurant DANIEL has been cited as “one of the ten best restaurants in the world” by the International Herald Tribune, has earned three Michelin stars, a coveted four star rating from The New York Times, Wine Spectator’s “Grand Award” and is ranked eighth among Restaurant Magazine’s
Your meal in Beijing demonstrated by Chef Daniel Boulud will be the unforgettable of yours. Tasty and impressive meal awaits you at the fabulous location with classy style interior decoration. You will be served with the best of a three Michelin star Relais & Châteaux member and touch the real lusciousness at Maison Boulud, Beijing.
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the maison boulud’s building is the ch’ien men 23 ProPerty which is elegant in architecture. it is a former american embassy to the qing emPire and became the beijing residence of the dalai lama from 1951-1959.
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One of the things that Beijing best in is private dining. With many restaurants and stunning locations, having private dinner once you visit this rising city is the must thing to do. You will experience the most perfect dining ever. They will treat you with the flawless service and tasty meal. It will be all about you.
CONTEMPORARY INTERPRETATION IMPRESSIVE COLLECTION OF ANTIQUES
H
uang Ting of Peninsula, Beijing is designed as a contemporary interpretation of Beijing's traditional noble courtyard houses, Huang Ting features gray brick walls taken from original Hutongs, slate floors, aged pine floors, beams from a 200-year-old mansion in Suzhou, near Shanghai, and an impressive collection of antiques, most dating from the Qing dynasty (1644-1911). There are four private dining rooms with the dished of palatability. Be a couple, family, and big group’s dining, the largest private dining of Huang Ting seats up to 25. This is the best of dining experience Peninsula Beijing oers. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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Y
i House Restaurant of Grace Hotel Beijing oers food and drink with a vital aspect of the Grace experience. Dining at the Yi House bistro is one of the best gastronomic experiences in the city, serving a modern combination of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine with a strong emphasis on seafood. Private dining at Yi House is perfect for any occasion, with two private dining rooms this service is limited and requires for reservation.
MODERN COMBINATION ASIAN CUISINE & SEAFOOD
FINEST PRIVATE DINING IN
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As the rising city of Asia, Beijing’s nightlife can be classy, stylish, fun, or even wild. You will meet many of your favor
here. Down the streets of Beijing, there’s many night clubs which all offer you the unforgettable experience. If you have time you can walk around and choose the one that distract you. Amongst loads of night place, there are best 4 lounges of Beijing that you should visit.
STYLISH AND CLASSY BEST PLACE FOR YOUNG ELITE
L
AN Club Bar is as an exclusive lounge. It was the only
one work done by renowned artist Philippe Starck in China. The bar is well known as the best night destination for young elite. Perfect every part with lounge, oyster bar, banquet hall, bistro and cigar room, the establishment always impresses everyone. Lan’s paintings on the celing and zebra print couches are only the beginning of the bizzare decor. The 1000 square meter of Lan was oil painted canvas by 20 foreign artists but cut into pieces to decorate the walls of the 35 private rooms. This venue is ensured to impress you in style and class. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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STUNNING STYLE THE BEGINNING OF MODERN NIGHT
C
loud Nine Bar of ShangriLa Beijing is one of the best places to go for nightlife in Beijing. It is the must visit of Shangri-La as well. You can begin your wonderful evening with drinks in the Cloud Nine. The signature cocktails at Cloud Nine Bar have been described as drinkable works of art. The bar itself is a stylish place to relax and enjoy conversation while listening to the popular house band. And the decoration in modern style will never disappoint you.
BELLE ÉPOQUE LOOK
D
FEMINIST STYLISH CHAMPAGNE BAR
écolleté is decidedly girl. It is one of Beijing’s most stylish champagne bars, it’s a feminine, elegant space, cosmopolitan and intimate. With floral motifs and velvet banquettes, the low-lit interior has something of a Belle Époque look. Décolleté is the sister bar to Club Glen, the famous club of
Beijing. While the latter is a temple to whisky, masculine and minimal, the former is aimed at a different audience. The bar offers the finest vast selection of fizz and serving in the suitable way for girls by the bottle and the glass, as well as in cocktail form. You can make your choice of Champagne and have it as much as you delight.
EXCLUSIVE NIGHTLIFE
NEW YORK CITY LOUNGE OF BEIJING
A
SURPASS NIGHTLIFE
t The Flow Lounge & Bar you can join friends, business partners, or just get away and relax, truly a respite for tantalizing teas, a favorite cocktail served by our knowledgeable mixologists, featuring a gentleman who tosses bottles
around-out performing Tom Cruise in “Cocktail”. The bar is located off the Lobby level, reflecting the look and feel of a contemporary and refined New York City lounge of the 1940’s. The food is surpassed only by you and your company, truly your place to get away and relax. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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This is a quiet setting for your social or business gathering, but comes alive in the evening with great jazz, with local favorites mixed in. Stop in for a quick bite, stay for the evening, relax, unwind, get comfortable. This is your special memory of the colorful night.
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ASIA'S BEST PLACES FOR 2012 CELEBRATION IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A WONDERFUL PLACE TO SET UP A MEMORABLE CELEBRATION FOR THE COMING 2012, ASIA HAS MANY GOOD ANSWERS TO THIS QUESTION. NOW TRAVEL ASIA MAGAZINE WOULD LIKE TO PRESENT THE BEST PLACES TO CELEBRATION IN ASIA. AS MANY TRAVELERS COME TO ASIA FOR SPECIAL VACATION LIKE NEW-YEAR CELEBRATION, BIRTHDAY PARTY, WEDDING AND HONEYMOON, THERE ARE MANY PLACES THAT ARE ALL PERFECT TO CREATE A MAGICAL MOMENT. WITH DIFFERENT LOCATIONS,
style, decoration and scenery, you can choose any of your satisfied to be a place of your memory.
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TOP OF THE WORLD PARTY
HIGHEST FLOOR OF HONG KONG
Ritz Carlton Hong Kong presents OZONE as the place where your 2012 celebration takes place. OZONE is the highest bar of the world. It is blinking on the top floor of Hong Kong’s highest skyscraper. At the party you will be indulged in signature cocktails and an exotic selection of Asian tapas and Japanese specialties, while enjoying DJ beats and the stunning view of the Victoria Harbour. Celebrate the coming 2012 at the place like no where else with OZONE. It is special and you will never forget on top of the world party.
Hong Kong LAN KWAI FONG
OUTTA SPACE PARTY
MAGICAL CELEBRATION
Hong Kong Lan Kwai Fong, Hong Kong is the finest destination of dining and entertainment. It hosts over 100 restaurants and bars. It is the best place to go for after work drinks, dinner with friends, and also party. The start of Lan Kwai Fong was in 80’s with the opening of the original California Restaurant selling the best burger in town. Today there are many choices of restaurants and bar. Moreover you will easily find many award winning restaurants.
Felix of Peninsula, Hong Kong will bring the special experience once you board the mood-changing lift which transfers you from the palatial grandeur of The Lobby to the surreal and ultra contemporary scene of Felix. It is the suspending of reality for the world of avantgarde designer, Philippe Starck. You will enjoy cocktails and modern European cuisine in this unique nighttime venue and the beat views both in and outside. Felix offers the seats of a dress circle for the most magical show on earth. Your 2012 welcome party will take place between the galaxy of lights and Victoria Peak and Hong Kong harbour. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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Hong Kong
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NIGHT OF STYLE
HIP NEW YEAR PARTY
Shanghai Shangri-La Pudong demonstrates Jade on 36 Bar. Jade is rich in style as modern, cosmopolitan and yet as Chinese as Shanghai itself. It is a stylish, hip space for sipping superbly crafted drinks, gazing at Shanghai’s stunning skyline and listening to the sounds of live jazz. The new year party at Jade will be super stylish and you will never party like at Jade before. ADORABLE NIGHT
COZY ROOFTOP BAR
Shanghai The Champange Lounge of JW Marriot Hotel, Shanghai is a very sophisticated but cozy in one. It is a rooftop bar on the 40th floor of the building. Your welcoming 2012 party will be relaxing and chilling in the soft live music. The beverage drink is very impressive to make sure you will have all you want as the good beginning of the year 2012. This unforgettable party also provides you the best view over Shanghai and the party night will last forever in your memory.
ELEGANT PARTY OF 2012
WORLD’S PLEASURE CAPTURE
A fusion of elegant style, cuttingedge design and peerless standards, KU DÉ TA has already captured the imagination of the world’s pleasure seekers. At Marina Bay, you will be party at the finest entertainment destination in South East Asia and all your expectation will meet you here. The stunning rooftop setting will redefine the concept of sophisticated NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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Singapore
pleasure for discriminating individuals, whether you seek a playground, a sanctuary or a den. Above all, this will be a place where you will enjoy the 2012 party with the finest dining, drinking and entertainment. Elegant party to welcome 2012 of yours will be at the lifestyle venue at Sands SkyPark, Marina Bay, Singapore.
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LEGENDARY PARTY
CLASSY COLONIAL CLUB
The Long Bar of the world famous Raffles Hotel, Singapore is where the legendary Singapore Sling was born. The Sling is naturally the signature tune here and businessmen in suits, ex-pats in khaki and wide-eyed tourists with whirring cameras come in to taste them and get to keep the glass. It is special like no where else. Besides the sling, your party will be classy and cultured with a colonial club feel. The coming 2012 will start with classy experience from The Long Bar.
Singapore
Korea
CHILL OUT PARTY
FLYING OVER YEAR
FUN DINING IN CHIANATOWN
PARTY OF CLASSY FLIGHT
The Scarlet, Singapore launches The Korner Restaurant as a fun dining in a Chinatown, Singapore Hotel. The Korner is the latest project by Grace International, an international hospitality group behind the Scarlet. It’s the latest addition to the increasingly trendy scene on Ann Siang Hill, meeting the demand for a casual comfort food establishment on Erskine Road. You will find a cool chill-out joint at the new year party. With the chilling atmosphere and stunning views of Chinatown, you will never forget the 2012 party with The Korner.
Intercontinental Seoul, South Korea offers COEX, a typical Manhattan Bar with decorative airplane wing wall design. Having one side of the wall with glass interior on the 30th floor, it is one of the fabulous places that display the beautiful night scenery of Gangnam, Seoul. Feeling like you’re on the first class plane at new year party, Sky Lounge creates an atmosphere of the first class seats in the airplane. Especially, brilliant night scenery and the Han river will be the first unforgettable memory of the coming 2012. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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Phuket, Thailand
CONGRATULATE 2012 ON THE BONNIE BEACH
TASTY ITALIAN CULINARY
Phuket is one of the best places to celebration with its label of many beauty beaches. Kalim beach is a part of Phuket’s beauty. NOW Travel Asia would like to invite you to celebrate the coming 2012 on the gorgeous scene of Kalim. There is a newcomer on Kalim Beach. Acqua restaurant as a modern Italian restaurant offers the labour of love presenting by Sardinian-born chef and owner, Mr.Alessandro Frau. He is not only dedicated to his food but also very personable, and is a hands-on chef, supervising each and every dish as it comes out of the kitchen, he choose and search personally all the ingredients from all over the world but mainly Italy, his hometown. As a result, Acqua imparts a smooth professionalism that sets it in a class of its own. Your celebration will be memorable with beautiful picture and real tasty Italian cuisine. Sensational of Acqua is following a black-and-white theme that projects the restaurant clean lines and a good sense ACQUA RESTAURANT
of proportion, Acqua’s design fully complements an all-round satisfying dining experience. The restaurant has imaginative lighting, nowhere more so than at the bar. Acqua restaurant has the optimum wine list which offers your celebration the best memorable drink. You can choose the most favorite wine of yours as the best start of 2012 and the last goodbye to 2011 in the same time. Acqua is the best start of your fantastic year.
AND RECENTLY WON THE AWARD OF THE WINE SPECTATOR 2010, 2011 FOR THE EXCELLENCE OF THE WINE LIST, ALSO BEEN SELECTED IN THE MIELE GUIDE ASIA BEST RESTAURANTS 2011/2012. THE COMBINATION OF SUCH A BEAUTIFUL LOOKING PLACE, A GOOD SELECTION OF BACKGROUND TUNES AND A VERY COMPETENT STAFF HELPS ACQUA IMPART A CHIC, CAPABLE YET CHILLED-OUT ATMOSPHERE.
342/15 Prabaramme Road, Kalim bay, Phuket, 83150 Thailand Tel: +66 76 618 127, www.acquarestaurantphuket.com NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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After one year opening, Acqua is already been awarded in the Thaland Tatler Best Restaurants 2010, 2011,
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END OF THE YEAR PARTY IN CHIC STYLE FASHIONABLE BANGKOK RESTAURANT
Bangkok Bangkok is Thailand’s capital with many interesting options for travelers. Bangkok offers BTS skytrain and subway to be a better choice of transportation, Dream Hotel is just a stone throw from skytrain and subway. Dream Hotel invites you to participate the chic party to celebrate the coming 2012 at Flava Restaurant. Flava restaurant is a fashionable restaurant as it is part of stylish hotel. It is Thai restaurant. Set above the lobby, Flava's Dali-esque theme blends modern design and ancient legend in stirring fashion. Savour the award winning Executive Chef's creative fusion of Western and Asian fare. Lounge on sumptuous furniture is taking in the Bangkok street scene through a wall of windows. As Thailand's hottest DJ's set a stylish and hot music to host the coming new year of 2012. And in true Dream-like fashion, this lavish Bangkok Thai dining spot lives by the philosophy of "if it's not on the menu, just ask.”, Flava makes your wish and an individual culinary masterpiece straight to your table. You will be indulging with the dish of your affection and the elegant atmosphere of Flava. FLAVA RESTAURANT10 Dream hotel Sukhumvit Soi 15 Bangkok 10110 Thailand Tel: +66 22 548 500 www.dreambkk.com NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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Bangkok CLASSY 2012�S CELEBRATION
SNAZZY LOCUS OF BANGKOK
Bangkok is one of the best places for any of your celebration with various lifestyle and city’s attractions. On the top of Lebua Hotel, The Dome stands with the best view to watch nightlife of Bangkok. The Dome at Lebua Hotel offers an exquisite selection of restaurants and bars. It is a culinary of your dream even for connoisseurs. Be it Mediterranean, Modern Innovative, or Asian cuisine, Lebua provides an unmatched experience with truly personalized service. NOW Travel Asia has 2 choices from The Dome to present you.
Mezzaluna is lebua’s signature fine dining restaurant serving modern innovative culinary. It is the pasMEZZALUNA
sion and creativity of the restaurant’s renowned twin chefs, Thomas and Mathias Sühring. Chefs create modern and innovative dishes by using carefully selected products which enhanced by state-of-the art cooking techniques and focus on using seasonal products to provide the best quality of each season. Distil is a 650 sq mt. bar on the 64th floor at lebua that serves premium drinks and luxury food items. Every aspect of Distil reflects purity in its most elementary form, with an emphasis on serving the finest to you. Distil is known for many items not available in any other outlet in Thailand, including 10 Cane rum, Belvedere IX vodka, Martin Miller’s gin, and Johnnie Walker Blue Label King George V whiskey. Also exclusive
Party at The Dome is extraordinary and limited. As many people look forward to be there at the very special occasions especially new year party, The Dome requires for your reservation in advance. It is going to be super special, unforgettable and only once in your lifetime. Be a special guest and join the classy night of The Dome for 2012 celebration, you will never ever forget it.
Tower Club at lebua 1055/42 Silom Road Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Thailand Tel: (66) 2624-9555, towerclubresvn@lebua.com NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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to lebua in Thailand is Krug Rose, the house champagne at Distil. Another outstanding feature of Distil is the Oyster Bar, where fresh Eagle Rock, Pacific Premium, Kumamoto, and Fines de Claire oysters are flown in twice weekly from USA and France.
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Bangkok
PALATABLE BISTRO OF PASSIONATE
RED SKY WINE & MARTINI BAR ON TOP OF THE WORLD
Red Sky’s style IS TRENDY AND UNCOM-
PLICATED BOTH IN ITS DECOR AND CUISINE WITH FINEST INGREDIENTS USED AND PREPARED IN TRADITIONAL WAY WHICH IS OVERLOOK OF MANY. IT IS TRULY INNOVATE CULINARY. THE RESTAURANT BRINGS A MODERN, DELECTABLE APPROACH TO OLD WORLD DINING, RED SKY’S TEAM OF CULINARY ARTISTS OFFER YOU THE VERY LATEST TAKE ON WESTERN URBAN DINING.
Charcoal Grills are used to ensure that diners can enjoy the true taste of the delicious, specially chosen cuts of US Beef and other fine ingredients and with over 200 labels of wine displayed in the two storeys, glass walled wine cellar, there is sure to be the perfect wine to complement your dish.
The long bar at Red Sky, the serving probably the most creative Martinis in the city and a world wide selection of at least 20 wines by the glass, as well as a selection of appetizing bar snacks, is destined to be one of Bangkok’s most voguish meeting places for those who want to enjoy something a little special. The setting of Red Sky provides the most impressive and romantic dining option at atop 55th floor of Bangkok’s most stylish hotel, the Centara Grand at Central World. Red Sky stands to be a fitting crowning glory for this landmark property everyday from 5pm1am.
Wine at Red Sky is a passion, and only the finest examples have been selected to offer guests the very best quality and value from both the Old and the New Worlds. INSPIRED BY CHEFS FOR WHOM DESSERTS ARE A MISSION IN LIFE, THE DESSERT MENU IS TRULY OUT OF THIS WORLD, AND TO ROUND OFF A PERFECT MEAL THERE ARE SPECIAL DESSERT WINES, LIQUORS AND CIGARS TO SAVOUR AS YOU DRINK IN THE VIEWS OF THE CITY.
Rama 1 Road, Pathum Wan Bangkok, 10330, Thailand Tel: +662 100 6255 CENTARA GRAND CENTRALWORLD 999/99, diningcgcw@chr.co.th www.centarahotelsresorts.com NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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NIHON, NIPPON, OR JAPAN IS STANDING IN THE PACIFIC OCEAN, WITH SO MANY ISLANDS, JAPAN HAS VARIETY OF LIFESTYLE AND ALSO TOURIST ATTRACTION. THE KANJI CHARACTERS THAT MAKE UP JAPAN'S NAME MEAN "sun-origin", WHICH IS WHY JAPAN IS SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS THE "Land of the Rising Sun". OKINAWA IS PART OF JAPAN BUT FAR FROM THE CENTERS OF CIVILIZATION, THE UNIFICATION OF OKINAWA BEGAN VERY LATELY LIKE ANY OTHER SMALL ISLANDS ON PACIFIC OCEAN.
UNIQUE PART OF
THE RISING NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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LONGER THAN 100 YEARS AGO, OKINAWA USED TO BE A FREE KINGDOM. THIS SMALL KINGDOM OF OKINAWA HAD BEEN A VERY PROSPEROUS COUNTRY: NOT ONLY THE ARCHIPELAGOS WAS ON THE ROUTE OF EXCHANGE BETWEEN JAPAN AND NORTH CHINA WITH THE SOUTH EASTERN ASIA BUT ALSO EXPORTED A GREAT QUANTITY OF SULFUR THAT CHINESE NEEDED TO MAKE EXPLOSIVE.
Okinwa still maintains its own distinctive culture, language and cuisine.
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s the very old kingdom I think Shuri Castle should be my first stop. I find so many interesting things of this fantastic castle. Shuri is the name of the former capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Shuri Castle or Shurijo served as the administrative center and residence of the Ryukyu kings for several centuries until Okinawa became a Japanese prefecture in 1879. The real Shuri castle was almost completely destroyed in 1945 during the battle of Okinawa. In 1992, the present castle was built base on old picture, historical record and memory. The architectural design and vermilion color differ significantly with those of castles on mainland Japan. The castle’s main hall is on the top of the hill. The approach to the castle's central
buildings leads through multiple gates, including the well known Shureimon Gate. The castle hilltop location offers nice views over Naha along the way. On the top of the hill stands the caste's main hall, the Seiden. The former venue of major affairs of state and ceremonies, the Seiden is the most lavishly decorated building and a landmark of Okinawa. Its architectural design and vermilion color differ significantly with those of castles on mainland Japan. Una Plaza extends in front of the Seiden and was used for ceremonies in the past. It is encircled on the other three sides by Hokuden (North Hall), Nanden (South Hall) and Hoshinmon (Hoshin Gate).
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on Boat Racing. The Hari or Haree
Dragon Boat Racing is a traditional borrowed from the Chinese and it is held as a tribute to the sea gods to pray for a bountiful harvest of fish from the sea each year. Many local groups participate in the festivities and fun competition but the main attraction is the race featuring the local fishermen. These hardened sea faring men do an interesting race often seen in Okinawa Hari which includes flipping over the boat and then all getting back in as fast as possible. Sabani, a traditional Okinawan style of boat is used in the race. The Sabani is made from wood and has been used for fishing by Okinawa fishermen for hundreds of years.
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As the flowing of history, when I grasp the place of the Okinawan performing arts and the key role the rein of Ryukyuan dance, I cannot help but conclude that Ryukyuan dance represents the very crystallization of Okinawan culture. Song and Sanshin lute draw on and speak to literature and music. The gorgeous costumes all reflect and develop the weavers' and dyers' arts. The techniques of hairstyles and accessories, and of course the movements of the dances themselves, are firmly lodged in time and space. The hand movements that began as part of the sacred rites of festivals evolved into Ryukyuan dance when joined with body dance movements. The popular dances performed at various village events and festivals took on more definite shape and form as they began to be supported by the government and performed on stage for kings and nobles. To entertain notables and officials from abroad, elements from the performing arts of other countries were incorporated to develop and polish highly pure and distinctive Okinawan dances. The Ryukyuan dances
now fall into four broad categories: classical dances, popular dances (the zo-odori), folk dances, and original dance-theater productions.
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he music instrument used in the Ryukyuan dance is Sanshin. Sanshin Lute is a rare and old Japanese lute, originating from the island Okinawa. “Sanshin” means three strings. The sanshin is an Okinawan musical instrument, and the precursor of the Japanese shamisen. Often likened to a banjo, this instrument has an ancient history of Chinese origin, and originally came to Japan via the Ryukyu Islands in the Muromachi Period. In the mainland, these instruments were particularly associated with geisha performances, the kabuki theater and the Japanese bunraku puppet theater. The sanshin, dating from the 18th C., Edo Period, has a rounded wooden body covered with the original snakeskin on both sides, amplifying the sound of the strings. At the end of the long, banjo-like neck are three wood tuning forks, one still having the original ivory inlays on its tip. The neck is removable from the snakeskin body.
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ON MY SUNSHINE DAYS I GO TO BEAUTIFUL BEACHES OF OKINAWA Emerald Beach is where I see the emerald waters meet the beautiful white sands. This beach was selected as one of the “55 best beaches in Japan” in 1998 by Environmental Agency. In 2001 this beach was rewarded again as “88 best beaches in Japan” by the Ministry of the Environment. The Yshaped coral sand beach, located at the northern-most point of the park. The Emerald Beach is where everyone can see the beautiful cobalt blue waters of Okinawa. This is the only beach in Japan that is located within a lagoon
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and the water has been "AA" approved, providing a beautiful and clean bathing spot. Moreover the beach is separated into three smaller beaches, the Playing, Resting, and Viewing Beaches. They can accommodate up to 3000 people. It is meticulous supervised as the safe and comfortable beach for visitors. Next I go to Sukuji Beach. It is one of the fabulous beaches of Okinawa. I for this beach, I go to Ishigakijima island. The island surrounded by many beautiful mountains. The series of mountains are bringing out blue of ocean. Sukuji beach is shallow, so water temperature is higher and wave is calm that it is easy to play in. I find jelly fish net and shal-
lows spreads afar and swimming area was clearly defined that this place is perfect for family excursion. The last beach I visit is Sesoko. The beach is natural powder white sand beach and the clarity of water. There are just a few of the reasons that Sesoko beach is one of the top-ranked beaches on the Main Island of Okinawa. With water looks just like clear crystal, I can see the beautiful white sand on the bottom. Sesoko is the most popular beach of Japan and it’s not hard to tell why Sesoko beach is the most popular for photographers to shoot with swimsuit models there. It used to be just the local people coming and having a relaxing NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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time. Now a day, it is one of the most popular beaches this year being one of the most crowded with mix of tourists and local people. Sesoko beach boast many kinds of tropical fish in the area that attract snorkelers and underwater photographers. Right here, I enjoy marine sports like jet ski and banana boating. After spending time in the sunshine, I start to get famished. So I start looking for food. I have heard that Okinawan cooking tends toward stronger and spicier flavors than Japanese food, and is more heavily influenced by Chinese cooking styles. I probably find something besides real Japanese culinary.
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AMERICAN’S TOWN IN OKINAWA AS I begin my eating with special alcohol drink which is originated in Okinawa. The Okinawan alcoholic drink is Awamori. It is made from the distilling of indica rice. The Onna distillery is the place where they show process of making Awamori. With over 60 years of history, the Onna Distillery continues to make Awamari with its highly developed techniques. Although the Onna is small but they produce up to 550-600 bottles of Awamori in a day. In Okinawa I found one lovely activity. Marine B.O.B is one of adventure sport which brings me down to the underwater world on a scooter at a depth of about 2 meters for 15 minutes. I experience the sensational trip at ANA Intercontinental Manza Beach Resort. It is great for me to
ride small scooter underwater with see through glass helmet. I feel like I was really in the aqua world. One more underwater world experience is Submarine-Jr. It is like a moving aquarium. I see lively fish and fantastic coral. This is safely discovering the wonderful ocean world.
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y next stop is still about lives underwater but it’s not underwater. The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is the second largest aquarium of the world. The center piece of the aquarium is the gigantic tank containing whale sharks, mantas, and many other types of marine animals. Before I leave Okinawa, I decide to go shopping. SO I make my shopping to Naha City. It is shopping spot of OkiNOW TRAVEL ASIA
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nawa. I can find whatever I want here. Especially, Kokusai Street, everything is sold here from souvenirs, clothing, shoes, surfing gear, Awamori, Ryukyu glass, pottery, Cuban cigars and so many more. Then I go to the famous market, Heiwa-dori is another one of Naha’s main street for shopping areas where I can buy some of the freshest food in Naha city. At Makishi Market I can buy many of Okinawa’s traditional foods or even scarce food like dried sea snake. Makishi Market is “the kitchen of Okinawa”, After World WarII, this famous Naha market started as a black market. Now there are more than 400 shops on the main floor. The super fresh seafood, pork, meat, vegetable and fruit are
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THE WEST COAST, SAN DIEGO STREET IN JAPAN available here. I get fresh and tasty ingredients to cook my dinner. On my last night, it is last but not least. I went to Kokusai Street or Kokusai Dori. This street is the main entertainment strip of Naha, here are so many shops as well as eatery and fantastic beverage down the both side of the street. Kokusai Dori’s night life is always colorful. Here are many night clubs, bars, and cheap dining place available until the sun comes back around. A red-hot fashionable shop and commercial district called Shintoshin selling stu from high end designer brand name fashion to daily goods is on northeast of Kokusai. My last night is so fantastic on this street of night life.
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THINGS TO DO IN OKINAWA OKINAWA IS THE DISTINCTIVE PART OF JAPAN. WITH THE LOCATION IN THE SOUTH END PART, OKINAWA FEATURES DIFFERENT IDENTITY PRESENTING IN CULTURE, LANGUAGE, TRADITION, CUISINE, ART, AND LIFESTYLE. THERE ARE YOU MANY INTERESTING THINGS TO DO IN OKINAWA. To make
your trip perfect, NOW Travel Asia would like to suggest 12 things that you should experience.
1 VISIT SHURI CASTLE OR SHURIJO As Okinawa was a free kingdom before, Shuri Castle is highly recommended as a former administrative center and residence of the Ryukyu kings for very long time before Okinawa became part of Japan in 1879. The architecture design and vermilion color of the castle is different from castles on the mainland.
2 WATCH HARI OR DRAGON BOATS RACING Hari Dragon Boat Races are the tribute to the gods of the sea. Many people join this competition. Even this tradition is borrowed from Chinese but it is the great picture of Okinawa’s spirit when loads of Okinawan come up together and spend their energy to maintain and carry on Hari. For travelers, you’ll see Sabani which is a traditional Okinawan style of boat used in the race. It is made from wood and also used in fishing for longer than centuries. Sabani is one of the representative of Okinawan spirit.
3 VISIT CHARAUMI AQUARIUM Okinawa Churaumi is the second largest aquarium of the world. It is including two huge 14-foot whale sharks. You will get to see more than huge whale sharks. At the aquarium, they have manta rays and schooling fish like tuna and bonita swimming right over your head around in a huge 7,500 ton tank as you look through 27-inch clear thick pexiglass.
5. DRINK AWAMORI Like no where else, Awamori is distinctive alcohol drink of Okinawa. If you fancy in drinking alcohol, do not miss this alcohol drink of Okinawa. It is very special and original in Okinawa. Awamori is also used in Okinawan cuisine along with soy sauce and miso (fermented soybean).
6. OKINAWAHAI OR OKINAWA ZOO 4 VISIT HIMEYURI MONUMENT
The zoo of Okinawa is very impressive. At the zoo you will get to see living animal and in ten good strides you can take in hippos, chimps, lions, tigers and giraffes. There’s a walking loop by the animals and it is steep. If you prefer only one way walk, you can take the elevator. Beside animals, there is also a train, carousel, and a bumper car track. The environment of the zoo is very natural. You can chill out on the manmade pond with pedal boats and hangs with ducks and fish by feeding them some food.
The Monument is commemorated to pray for peace and 222 students and 18 teachers of Okinawa Daiichi Women’s High School and Okinawa Shihan Women’s School who were mobilized by the Japanese army in 1945. The monument is in front of Himeyuri Peace Museum. For more understanding about Okinawa’s history please ensure yourself to come and visit this monument of peace.
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7. EAT SEAFOOD As Okinawa is one of the finest sources of the seafood and as it is the group of islands, any visitors must make a stop at seafood restaurants and you will never get disappointed. Seafood BBQ is also recommended especially at the restaurant on the beach. There’s not better than grilled seafood with sea breeze softly touches your face.
CANNED PRECOOK MEAT OR SPAM IS HARD TO FIND IN SOME COUNTRIES BUT IT IS SOLD EVERYWHERE IN OKINAWA, SO IF YOU FANCY THIS KIND OF MEAT
you won’t miss it!
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9 TROPICAL FRUIT Okinawa is located in the south end of Japan and has different weather. It is warmer than the other part of Japan. Tropical fruit can be planted here but the special thing of tropical fruit here is the taste. You will find unique taste of tropical fruit like no where else.
Okinawa has their own distinctive identity such as music, art, and language. Ryukyu dance is originated in Okinawa. You will get to see the different performance if compare with other Japanese performance. It is extraordinary and only Okinawa features it.
8. VISIT AMERICAN VILLAGE Okinawa is American military base for very long time. There’s a famous American village named ‘Mihama’. The most recognizable feature is the large Ferris Wheel. The Americana theme is found at many establishments, such as fashion shops selling American brand clothing or restaurants specializing in hot dogs and hamburgers. You’ll feel like you’re in America. Mihama is a large entertainment complex which drags vitors out of Okinawa.
10 TRY YOUR HAND AT GLASS BLOWING Glass blowing is one of the famous souvenirs from Okinawa but it is going to be more special if you can make your own souvenir. There are many places that you can go and try blowing glass yourself. They will help and assist you just make a stop at the glass blowing centers.
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12 NIGHT STREET Kokusai street is the street of nightlife in Okinawa. It is the main entertainment strip and there are so many shops as well as eatery and fantastic beverage. Kokusai’s night life is filled with many night clubs, bars, and cheap dining place available. You can enjoy the nightlife until the sun comes back around.
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Latest Point of view at the heritage town of Laos Luang Prabang is a beautifuL cuLturaL city. this charming town is Located in north centraL Laos, where
the nam khan river meets with mekong river about kiLometers. it is the caPitaL of Luang Prabang Province.
lUang
praBang NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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10things
you can’t miss in Luang Phrabang if you never visit Luang Phrabang, you may not imagine what to do during the triP here.you can have many kind of activity to enjoy and see everything that reaLLy goes around. NOW Travel Asia
would like to present ten things that you shouldn’t miss in Luang Phrabang.
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01. get to know Luang Phrabang sPirit at united nations educationaL, scientific and cuLturaL organization worLd
L
uang Prabang is inscribed as UNESCO site in 1995. It is an invisible example of heritage world built by the European colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures. Its different, outstanding wellpreserved townscape illustrates a key stage in the diversity of these two distinct cultural traditions. The beau-
tiful town is superimposition of Lao traditional with French colonial urban morphology, outstanding merging of Lao tradition and French colonial architecture, and interaction between built and natural environment. These are three notable Universal value of Luang Phrabang as UNESCO site.
Luang Prabang
Cafe’
02. there are many western cafés with the beautifuL decoration and very imPressive drink. now traveL asia wouLd Like to suggest some of the western café in Luang Phrabang.
Joma Joma is a bakery on the main road of Luang Phrabang. The concept of Joma is Fresh baked goods daily, served by a friendly and professional staff; a taste of home for tourists and foreign workers living abroad to every customer every time. Joma is well known for the fair-trade certified, organic Lao Arabica house blend coffee. The favorite foods at Joma are cinnamon bun, chocolate croissant, bagel egger, taco salad, reuben sandwich and pumpkin soup. In the chilling day in Luang Phrabang, cappuccino freeze and ice chocolate are highly recommended.
Big Tree gallery Café Big Tree Gallery Café is situated on the Mekong River and offers a great terrace to enjoy food while watch fantastic views over the river. The gal-
lery on the riverside of Mekong serves a selection of food based on a mix of Lao, Korean style and some European based recipes. The food is
always finely prepared. All menus are tasty and fresh. Big Tree also offers a unique mixed menu. The main recipes combine healthy ingredients to make the best quality of nutritional value with organic as much as possible.
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s];’rt[k’ luang prabang dining
PrinCess resTauranT
Tumnak lao resTauranT
home with you. Tamnak Lao means “The Residence” because the restaurant is located in one of the original Frenchstyle home. The food is so tasty especially Ua Nor Mai, baby bamboo fried with pork inside. The restaurant’s quality assurance policy is to serve authentic Lao food at reasonable prices to maintain an extremely clean environment and to provide excellent service. By strictly maintaining this quality assurance policy, the restaurant has become a very popular dining experience with tourists and the local Lao.
amnak Lao, Luang Phrabang is opened in September 1999. The restaurant is managed and operated by a local Luang Phrabang family. People know Tanak Loa as a home of the best Lao food in town. The restaurant is available from 8.30am to 11pm. You can also take day end evening cooking classes which allow you to learn more about Lao cuisine and take the delicious flavours
At Tamnak Lao, you’re not just enjoying the food but also support the foundation of the restaurant. Tamnak Lao helps poor children. The restaurant is good for community and more than anything else it is a fantastic eatery house the Service is good, the waiters speak English, the restaurant is clean. So you better go there and enjoy a very tasty Lao or International meal with Tamnak Lao, Luang Phrabang.
03. eat out Lao food is diverse and the variety vast. their cuisine is unique and aLthough the majority of ingredients are the same as other asian countries, there is no reLation to other cuisines. the Lao have a way of mixing their fLavours that is unexPected and unusuaL.
T
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T
he Princess Restaurant at Villa Santi Hotel got it name from the owner who is a member of the royal family in Laos. The restaurant is known as the most charming and finest restaurant in town. The restaurant offers authentic Royal Lao cuisine and international dishes. The dining room is elegantly decorated into the Royal Laotian Theme with the balcony offering a romantic setting in which to watch the Royal Sakkarine Road below. Every night after 7pm there’s Lao classical dance show. The princess offers the best of Lao cuisine in traditional atmosphere. Every part of the offer is meticulous even after your meal, they will bring you aromatic for your hand washing. At the restaurant there’s The Elephant Garden Bar offers selective menu of food and beverage throughout the day. With its charming settings of lanterns and candle lights in the open air courtyard, the bar is known as the most romantic place to be for a casual meal and drink.
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impressive cuisine of kiridara hotel Phu Doi resTauranT
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hu Doi at Kiridara, an all day dining restaurant where you can choose to sit in airconditioning room or enjoy the outdoor section or even eat and chill out at the pool deck overlooking the beautiful Phousi mountain. Phu Doi offer finest culinary from 6.30am to 10.30pm.
the day or you can order Lao and Thai dishes like fried rice, fried noodle and Padthai. The timing for Breakfast is 6.30 am to 10.30 am. For lunch and dinner, Phu Doi offers all day dining menu serving cuisines which is 60% Laos and 40% western from 12.00 noon till 10.30 pm. Dining at Phu Doi of Kiridara is unforgettable especially dinner at the outdoor section. You won’t be only impressed by delicious food but also the roof of million stars.
The culinary at Phu Doi is Meticulous and agreeable. The food tastes real good and the way they decorate the dish is full with detail reflecting the true sense of Lao cuisine which is rich in best preparation to offer you with After a luscious dinner, Phu Doi offers best alternative for chill out with friend the best quality of Phu Doi. at pool bar which is available from 10 Every morning Phu Doi presents A till late night serving you with wonderLa Carte breakfast including so many ful cocktails and tasty light snacks. finest choices for your first meal of  NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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Phu Doi restaurant 22/13 north road,Ban naviengkham luang Prabang lao PDr Tel: +856 71 261888 http://kiridara.com
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s];’rt[k’ luang prabang dining
the representative of french culinary in heritage town of Luang Prabang l’eléPhanT
i
n 1960 many hotels and guesthouses have popped up in Luang Phrabang. With the inspiration to make a different of Mr.Yannick Upravan, the restaurant owner and his French cooking skill, the decision to open a restaurant to offer freshest French cuisine on the great location was made.
kong River. It is located in the heart of the historic peninsula of Luang Prabang, between the Mekong and the Nam Khan rivers.
From the home-made charcuterie to the duck breast roasted with “Mak Toum” via the Burgundy snails, L'Eléphant offers original French family style cuisine. A L'Eléphant restaurant, Luang Prabang, cuisine which mixes traditional French Laos is in a typical 1960’s colonial build- dishes and also revisits the classics like; ing just a stone’s throw from the Me- lamb shank perfumed with Indochina
cardammon, tarte Tatin with exotic fruits. Fresh herbs from L’Eléphant organic garden coriander, mint, ginger, lemon grass, coconut milk, Luang Prabang mushrooms, fish from the Mekong are the essential ingredients of L’Eléphant L'Eléphant use only freshest and finest ingredients to perfect your meal and treat you with the best quality of service they offer. Once you step to the door, you will be greeted by a lovely "Sabaidee" with many big smiles of L'Eléphant.
HealtH aND ProteCtioN oF tHe eNViroNmeNt The restaurant offers tradition as well as more creative, french from Luang prabang. The plantings are seasonal and they use and Lao cuisine made of finest local natural produce grown in neither pesticides nor fertilisers. Their aim above all is to obtain the gardens of L'Eléphant. fresh high quality ingredients which are indispensable to tasty cooking, but L’Elephant also want to offer thier clients healthy The vegetables and fresh herbs that L’Elephant uses come products which come from the almost totally intact natural Lao directly from their own gardens which are located 30 minutes environment.
as well as the planting needed for l'eléphant restaurant, the gardens also produce the herbs and flowers sold in “Aux jardins de l’Eléphant”. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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04. wander to the charming 168 temPLes
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uang Phrabang has 168 monasteries. Temple tour is one of must do things in Luang Phrabang. The land of beautiful culture is one of the best examples of Buddha land where everyone still maintains the beautiful tradition of ritual. It is very easy to see the way of religion here just rise early in the morning you’ll see hundreds of monk in collecting alms ceremony. All temples in Luang Phrabang are beautiful and reflect long standing prosperity of Buddhism. Most tours of the city are included Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Mai Suwannapumaram and at least a walk past the temples on Phu Si. Every step of yours in Luang Phrabang is never out of the way to Temples. Here are gorgeous temples and some of them always in eyesight during Luang Phrabang trip. Just look around, you will find at least 2 or 3 temples in your vision.
05. watch art Performance at Phra-Lak Phra-Lam theatre
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ny visitor of Luang Phrabang should make a stop at some of art performance at Phra-Lak Phra-Lam Theatre. It’s so special and limited. Royal
Ballet is a beautiful traditional performance of some 60 artists was established in 1999 to re-establish the ancient "Lao Ramayana". For years now, the Royal Ballet troupe performed Phra-Lak Phra-Lam, the Lao version of the sacred poem, the Ramayana, in the Royal Palace in Luang Prabang. In 2002, the Theatre was re-established and has been performing at home and abroad since. This show takes place in the garden of the National Museum, formerly the Royal palace on every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
06. LocaL homestay with white eLePhant adventures
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et your fill of trekking through jungle, kayaking, an excellent homestay at a Lao Loum village, elephant riding, and swim at the beautiful Tat Se waterfall (seasonal). On Day 1 White Elephant Adventures will drive you forty minutes to the banks of the Nam Khan river. Cross by boat and begin trekking 4-5 hours through the beautiful countryside of Laos. You will stay overnight at a beautiful Lao Loum village. On Day 2 wake to breakfast, coffee, and tea prepared by your guide before saying your farewells and departing on an hour and a half trek to the Nam Khan river. In the evening the truck will pick you up and have you back in time to eat dinner at the beautiful outdoor bar and restaurant, Utopia.
s];’rt[k’ luang prabang activities
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07. waLk on the street of food in the evening
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s Lao cuisine is not just tasty but some of them is also healthy. Street food here is cheaper than food in restaurant. It is also fun to eat and see how lives are going around here. Visiting Luang Phrabang without trying any street food is totally wrong. In every night of Luang Phrabang, you should try food from the vendors who set up food stalls in a small alley on the south end of the night market from 6-10 p.m. It was basically street food. The main road of Luang Phrabang, Sisavavong is closed down to traffic and becomes a night market or dark market for local people everynight.
Luscious
08. seek out morning market
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o see the real way of Local life in Luang Phrabang, you have to rise in the morning and go to the small morning market in the center of town. Luang Phrabang’s morning market is the best source for local ingredients. The way of life at the market is the same way as before when human is harmless to nature. Some sellers even use natural package like banana leave, weaved bamboo, and bamboo basket. Picture of Luang Phrabang’s morning market is one of the good inspirations to hold on together in saving our beautiful world as a wonderful present for next generation. Don’t forget to go and get the idea of saving the world at morning market of Luang Phrabang.
spirit of Luang Phrabang
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09. Let’s start cycLing tour
uang Phrabang is heritage town and most of attraction is in reach. You can just rent a bicycle and ride it to your destinations. Cycling around here is easier than you go on a car. All of the destinations are all on Sisavavong road. No worry about parking and pollution. In Luang Phrabang, you will see cycling everywhere. Most of people here ride bicycle so it’s cycling everywhere. This is one of the reasons why Luanhg Phrabang is very charming and beautiful. More than fabulous look, there is also green environment and fresh air. Before you leave this town of charming heritage, make sure that you do some cyclist’s stuff for Luang Phrabang’s sightseeing.
10. going on the PLane of Laos airLines NOW Travel Asia is really proud to recommend you to go to Luang Phrabang by Laos Airlines. The airline is dedicated to providing excellent flight service and making every flight you take safe and memorable. Serving you with yummy snack and at lease 3 choices of drink by friendly flight attendants, you will have fantastic time during the flight to Luang Phrabang.
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The Pizza
Luang Phrabang
Finest Homemade Pizza, Salad, and main course Lao.Thai.European Ban Xiengmuan Sisavangvong Rd, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR Tel. (+856-71) 253858 Email: indochina2us@yahoo.com
Beside a warm welcome, we project fresh food, good taste, and best service. All excellent Lao, Thai and European Dishes by best chefs in LUANG PRABANG
The Coconut
Restaurant
Ban XiengMuan Sisavangvong Rd, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR Tel. (+856-71) 212 617 Email: indochina2us@yahoo.com
Offering the most delicious Lao, Thai, and European Dishes along with Lao traditional atmosphere. Tour groups accomodation and special traditional ceremony is available here as well.
MORE THAN JUST A RESTAURANT
Indochina Spirit Restaurant Ban Vat That 50-51,Opposite the fountain on the Main road, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR Tel. (+856-71) 253 080, 252 372 Mobile. (+856-20) 55 670 198 Email: indochina2us@yahoo.com NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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the haven of
charming hospitality
as a heritage destination, Luang Phrabang has so many oLd buiLdings. There are 611 inventory buildings: 443 civil buildings and 168 monasteries. not so many PLaces where PeoPLe Live in over century buiLdings but in Luang Phrabang, they do. the majority of hoteLs’ buiLding is oLd buiLding. they change oLd Prison, gas station, or even hosPitaL to many beautifuL hoteLs.
Imprint Sojourn
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s];’rt[k’ luang prabang stay
White Luxury resort
gracefuL french coLoniaL amantaka
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mantaka derives its name from the word aman, the Sanskrit word for ‘peace’, and from Tipitaka, meaning ‘the teaching of the Buddha’ in Theravada scholastic literature. As a former hospital, Amantaka is housed in graceful French colonial buildings in the UNESCO protected town of Luang Prabang. Airy and elegant throughout, the décor and furnishings reflect the town’s French colonial history. Amantaka Resort, Luang Phrabang is situated close to the center town and just south of Phousi Hill, the resort is within strolling distance of the boutiques, bakeries and restaurants lining the town’s main street. The fabled night market, the picturesque banks of the Mekong River and the former Royal Palace are also nearby. The resort provides easy access to the town’s
many historic sites including more than 30 golden-spired temples and the former Royal Palace. Amantaka is a luxury resort which is also one of classic examples of the town’s unique blend of 19th and 20th century French colonial and Lao architectural traditions. With flawless service, your stay at Amantaka will be filled with pleasure. Amantaka offers the best of service and even arrange tennis partners for alone traveler at private tennis court which is situated a short distance from the resort. The bouTique and art gallery A vAriety of LAo hAndicrAfts And Artworks Are AvAiLAbLe for purchAse incLuding textiLes from mAster siLk weAvers And works from LocAL Artists And hiLL tribe communities. A unique coLLection of photogrAphs on dispLAy gives insight into LuAng prAbAng’s rich cuLture. Tel: +856 71 253 851 www.amanresorTs.Com NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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he Grand Luang Prabang hotel and resort is situated on grounds of the Xiengkeo Palace which belonged to the famous nationalist hero of Luang Prabang, Prince Phetsarath. He chose this site for tranquility, its stunning views of the mighty Mekong River, and the breathtaking landscape of mountains surrounding Luang Prabang. Phetsarath played a dominant role in Lao politics before and after the Japanese occupation. He was the leader of the Lao Issara movement. He fought for Laos freedom and even now many Lao people hang his picture in their homes for everything he has done for Lao and his perceived saksit power.
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The GrAnd LuAnG PrAbAnG hAs Good environmenT And beAuTifuL surroundinG esPeciALLy in The morninG. mAke sure
that you will early rise up before the heat comes chase all cool fresh air of morning time. Now The Grand Luang Prabang is offer special historical place to stay. Like no other place like, while you walk along The Grand's pathway you will feel like walking to the past. When you sit at the restaurant, the beautiful view of Mekong river is just in front of your eyes.
hoteL with a
History of Peace
beautiful Palace on mekong riverside the grand luang prabang
The Grand Luang Prabang is the premier destination in Luang Prabang, with its own style and identity. All rooms are tastefully decorated in beige colors and styles representing Luang Prabang's colonial past. The service throughout the hotel is discrete yet friendly, exemplifying the very best in Laotian hospitality. Special experience and new vision from the beautiful past is waiting for you. Tel: +856 71253851-7 email: info@granDluangPraBang.Com www.granDluangPraBang.Com NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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Colonial charm with contemPorary eLegance the great way to present the colonial hotel de la paix
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uang Phrabang is a charming town locating in center of Northern Laos. This town is surrounded by beautiful mountain and culture. Behind the picture of beautiful way of life in Lung Phrabang, there’s a charming hotel in the flawless corner, Hotel de la Paix. Stepping through the gateway to reception, you will be greeted with a view of the resort’s centerpiece with impressive herbal drink - a large central courtyard encircled by guest suites and connecting to all the resort’s amenities. The courtyard is a realm of relaxation, featuring two pools, landscaped gardens patterned with ponds and quiet hideaways, as well as sandpits with fireplaces where you can bliss out cosily in the cooler months. A second courtyard is overlooked by the restaurant, spa and cooking school.
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While sitting for breakfast and sipping wonderful tea next to the cushy swimming pool, you will never imagine that the fabulous Hotel de la Paix was a prison before. Every surrounding is warm and chill just like a beautiful painting on the wall. It is a simple inspires relaxation. French colonial style recalls an age of historical splendour in a series of intimate spaces designed to replenish the soul. Large courtyards, landscaped
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gardens, reflecting pool and fireplaces provide a welcome retreat in all seasons. Individually designed suites create sanctuaries of private space and sumptuous comfort. Natural spa therapies and gourmet dining capture the essence of Laos, drawing on its culinary and wellness traditions. Set against a backdrop of mountainous beauty, The Hotel de la Paix promises a secluded and restful stay, embraced in the warmth of Lao hospitality, and the timeless wonder of this culturally rich destination. conserving the site's ArchitecturAL heritAge, the hoteL de LA pAix bLends existing coLoniAL buiLdings with new structures thAt hAve been designed in keeping with trAditionAL LAo Architecture, grAced with contemporAry AsiAn touches chAnging the very oLd prison to A mArveLous hoteL. pArts of the originAL site Are now reincArnAted As distinctive feAtures of the hoteL, such As corner towers And the entrAnce gAtewAy thAt heightens the sense of ArrivAL. And Let
Hotel de la Paix collect you from the airport with the vintage cream 1957 Mercedes-Benz and drive you to a taste of the past.
Tel: +856 71 260 777 www.hoTelDelaPaixangkor.Com
The Red Prince’s house
step to the beauty of the past satri house
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ocated in the heart of the city, Satri House was built at the turn of the last century as the residence of the red prince, Prince Soupha-nouvong. You can step back into the past and even sleep in his bedroom, Satri House Suite which is on the second floor of the building. This suite comes with complimentary daily 60 minutes spa treatment for 2. Satri House is one of the most exquisite places in Luang Phrabang, designed with a style inspired by
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Lao culture and set in a truly relaxing environment. Here you can enjoy private moments to yourself and really unwind or sit and watch the everyday life of local people from your balcony. The building was refurnished in 2002 by Mrs. Lamphoune Voravongsa and has been run since as a hotel. During 2008 the hotel has been enlarged with the addition of six more colonial style buildings. Tel: +856 71 260 777 www.hoTelDelaPaixangkor.Com
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s];’rt[k’ luang prabang stay
3 Nagas is a member of design hotels. www.designhotels.com
Charming smaLL hoteL
feel the true comfort of Lao house 3 nagas
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he 3 Nagas, Luang Prabang, has 3 buildings which all more than a century old. It is small but so charming comprising three superbly restored historic UNESCO World Heritage. The hotel is ideally located in the towns Old Quarter, just a short walking distance from the major tourist attractions of Luang Phrabang and only 10 minutes drive from airport. On every path of morning you will see the beautiful picture of alms-giving procession just few meters away from your room.
At 3 Nagas you can enjoy Lao tradition and the best of modern comforts at the same time. High ceilings, exotic dark wooden floors, four-poster beds, silk fabrics and traditional weavings ooze elegance, style and character. A beautiful courtyard garden beside the Nam Khan River plus an acclaimed fine dining restaurant, serving exquisite Laotion food, make this hotel the perfect place to relax and enjoy the serene Lao lifestyle. Restored in 2003, the hotel blends contemporary style with the buildings' original architecture, seamlessly connecting NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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the past and the present. Embark on a timeless cultural journey of discovery amid the hotel's warm and inviting ambience, in the luxury of its exclusive collection of spacious rooms and suites, and in its authentic Lao cuisine - offering some of the finest destination dining in Luang Prabang. Beside being one of the most unforgettable stay in the charming town, 3 Nagas, Luang Phrabang is a perfect marriage of contemporary design and Lao heritage, featuring exotic-wood floors, traditional "torchis" walls and clay tile roofs. Simplicity reigns, with elegant touches and attention to the smallest of details that add to the unique charm of the hotel. Tel: +856 71 253 888 www.3nagas.Com
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Charm & Exceptional
your unforgettable experience in Luang Prabang le palais Juliana
e
xperience truly Lao hospitality to rejuvenate your sense with the exceptional services which are always committed to you at Le Palais Juliana, Luang Prabang. Le Palais Juliana, Luang Prabang offers 50 well - appointed rooms & 9 Villas in Lao style which were deliberately designed for your classy stay and comfort. The hotel is just only 10 minutes away from the heart of Luang Prabang and located in a lush and private area surrounded by fertile forests and mountains where pure natural
Oxygen combined with the warm sunlight reflects one-of-a-kind sanctuary and serenity. Not just the environment that makes Juliana a great choice for your holiday but also the room especially Executive Deluxe rooms. The room is deliberately designed for the elegant comfort. It projects more spacious area and also features premium amenities which are exclusively designed for couples and honeymooners. After a tough day walking around the land of beautiful culture, put your shades on, chill out on the bench, forget those
SAVOR MOUTH-WATERING LAOTIAN & INTERNATIONAL BUFFET & A LA CARTE AT Chaonang Restaurant. IT DAILY SERVES FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES FROM THE RESORT’S FARM FOR YOUR DELECTABLE MENU SELECTIONS. PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOU WON’T MISS THE ‘KANTOKE’ DINNER, EXOTIC SIGNATURE OF TRADITIONAL LAO DINNER. IT IS EXCLUSIVE ONLY AT CHAONANG RESTAURANT. FANTASTIC DINING IS AVAILABLE FROM 6 AM TILL 10 PM. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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busy things in the city, slow your life down a bit with our refreshing ‘Oasis’ at the swimming pool.
As the mAJority pArt of LuAng prAbAng's trAveL is wALking, JuLiana is pLeased To weLCoMe You To The CiTY Lounge LoCaTed n The heaRT of Luang phRabang. if you get tired from wALking Around the town for A whoLe dAy you cAn go And get yourseLf A reLAx time At the city Lounge of JuLiAnA. this service is excLusive for JuLiAnA’s guests onLy.
THE SECOND OF JULIANA HOTELS Le Palais Juliana, LuAng phrAbAng is the second property of JuLiAnA hoteLs. it hAs been over 18 yeArs thAt JuLiAnA hoteLs hAve been serving LAdies And gentLemen from ALL over the worLd.
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Tel: +856 71 260 417 www.JulianahoTels.Com
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Charm & Exceptional a Perfect reLaxation
kiridara
k Prabang.
iridara, Luang Phrabang is an elegant, contemporary boutique hotel on the hill located in the mystical city of Luang
Kiridara offers 24 room boutique hotel scaled on a hillside and surrounded by native teak forests with fantastic panoramic views of Luang Phrabang with easy access to central Luang Prabang and
Luang Prabang International Airport. All accommodations at Kiridara are great. The swimming pool is beautiful and one of a kind in Luang Prabang with blue tiles. The spa is so convenient, the treatments are great and the steam room is the highlight. Kiridara also offers the gym, the equipment is new and works well. Moreover the hotel can arrange enjoyable yoga class for you. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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Kiridara is the best spot to watch panoramic view. In day time you will see Mount Phou Si and beautiful environment around the hotel lush trees, temples, local house, and many colonial buildings. In the night time, the things you will see is completely different especial in the candle light providing by Kiridara at the swimming pool. The beautiful infinity pool provides best viewpoint for Phou Si and if you look up to the shining stars in the sky of Luang Phrabang, you will never forget this magical moment. Tel: +856 71 260 417 www.lePalaisJuliana.Com
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A Touch of coLoniaL
Lao hospitality on the riverside of Luang Phrabang
LAOS HOSPITALITY
Villa deux riVières
IN A TRADITIONAL ENVIRONMENT
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t Villa Deux Rivières you will feel home away from home. With the best of Lao hospitality aiming to make your stay at the hotel a pleasant and unforgettable experience, the hotel look forward to welcome you to the best retreat they offer. The beautiful, laid back ancient town is strikingly set on the peninsula formed by the Nam Khan meeting with the Mekong rivers thus is where the hotel got the name from, Villa Deux Rivières, or in English, The Two Rivers Villa. The hotel complex consists of five low rise villas, with rooms located on two levels. The rooms come with various sizes and types using wooden furniture and classic decorations, offering a traditional Lao and French colonial atmosphere, and are all equipped with en-suite stylish bathrooms. Being a part of the heart of Luang Prabang, the ancient former capital of Laos, this unique boutique hotel is situated in the centre of the UNESCO World Heritage site, with the main historical places of interest and attractions within walking distance. You can discover the beauty of the past whilst staying with Hotel Villa Deux Rivières, Luang Phrabang, Lao.
‘an IMPRESSIVE VILLA in the heart of Luang Phrabang’
‘Villa Deux Rivières’ means the two river villa, this beautiful villa on the meeting point of the Nam khan and Mekong rivers offers the best of Lao hospitality.
Some of Hotel Deux Rivières’ rooms offer a view of the Nam Khan river, whilst others a view of the garden or courtyard. Villa Deux riVières
kingkitsALAth roAd, bAn khiLy, LuAng prAbAng, LAo p.d.r. teL.+856 207737 8575, emAiL: info@viLLAdeuxrivieres.com www.viLLAdeuxrivieres.com
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Villa Deux Rivières Kingkitsalath Road, Ban Khily, Luang Prabang, Lao P.D.R. Tel.+856 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011207737 8575, Email: info@villadeuxrivieres.com www.villadeuxrivieres.com 11/8/11 9:51 AM
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PeoPle
8
THAILAND’S
REMARKABLE BRANDS IN GLOBAL EYE
IN INTERNATIONAL MARKET, IT WAS SUCH AN IMPORTANT ROLE OF THAILAND AS A PRODUCER AND EXPORTER. MORE THAN A DECADE, THAILAND STARTED TO HAVE PRODUCT UNDER THAI OWN BRANDS. The Brands of Thailand is outstanding in
style and provide good offer for lifestyle, hospitality and consumption. EVEN IT IS NO EASEMENT ON THE WAY TO INTERNATIONAL MARKET BUT HOWEVER THE 9 BEST BRANDS OF THAILAND ALREADY MADE THEIR PLACES IN GLOBAL EYE.
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112 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
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LUXURY, DELICATE, AND GRACEFUL VERY THAI, VERY DUSIT CATHERINE MCNABB
DUSIT INTERNATIONAL
Dusit International is one of Asia’s leading hotel brands. It is successful because it draws upon 60 years experience in the hospitality business. Founded in 1948 by Honorary Chairperson, Milady Chanut Piyaoui, Dusit has a unique portfolio of hotel brands across the board, drawing upon the unique Thai history, rich culture and traditions to create a personalized approach towards guests that can only be Dusit.
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THAILAND’S
REMARKABLE BRANDS IN GLOBAL EYE
Catherine McNabb, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Dusit International has narrated about the great legend of Dusit International. whaT iT The brand characTer of dusiT?
The Dusit brand promise is: the delivery of an ‘experience that enlivens the individual spirit no matter what the journey.’ Dusit International’s sub-brand of hotels is designed around the needs of a different guest, and each aims to provide the enlivening experience that will make the Dusit promise a reality.
whaT is The inspiraTion of milady chanuT piyaoui To build dusiT?
Milady Chanut Piyaoui, the pioneer of Thai hospitality, has for over 60 years dedicated herself to one of Thailand’s primary industries. The two factors, her country and the hospitality field, are close to her heart. Whe n she returned to Thailand after her studies in 1947, she aspired to build a hotel like those she had admired in the USA, but with the proviso that it would have to be specifically Thai. There lies the beginning of her celebrated vision, and her lifelong endeavor to present to the world the graciousness and warmth that is the trademark of true Thai hospitality. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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as dusiT is already very successful, is There any fuTure plan To keep sTepping forward?
Sixty-three years later up to the present, Dusit International is all about taking the company’s Thai heredity and values to a global scale. With properties in Manila, Cairo and Dubai, the company announces two new exciting properties within the next 12 months. First, the opening of Dusit Thani Maldives on Mudhdhoo Island, Baa Atoll, which is located on an UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Second, a third dusitD2 property will be located in Pasadena, one of California’s vibrant cities, marking the dusitD2 brand’s first foray to the USA and on an international level.
Without any obstacle on the way of Dusit’s great success, this remarkable brand of Thailand is always moving the pride of Thai to the global eye.
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THE BEST REPRESENTATIVE OF THAI’S HOSPITALITY
PASSION AND DRIVE DILLIP RAJAKERIER
ANANTARA OF MINOR HOTEL GROUP
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THAILAND’S
REMARKABLE BRANDS IN GLOBAL EYE
As one of Thailand’s best brands, people appreciates Anantara’s grand success but may never know what’s behind the beautiful picture. Mr.Dillip Rajakerier, the chief operating of minor hotel group are standing to continue on the great success. NOW Travel Asia got an unforgetable chance to talk to Mr.Dillip on his busy day.
how far has ananTara been around?
At the present time, Anatara, one of hotel under Minor Hotel Group operates in 10 countries, including Thailand, the Maldives, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Tanzania, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Australia and New Zealand. In addition, its mixed-use business operates spas, shopping plazas & entertainment outlets, residential properties, and a points-based vacation club. Minor is an investor with a portfolio of over 8,500 rooms across more than 70 hotels, resorts and serviced suites under the Anantara, Marriott, Four Seasons, Elewana, Oaks and Minor International brands.
whaT is The brand characTer of anaTara?
Anatara is a real International brand with a mission to bring warm Thai hospitality to outside Thailand. Every hotel of Anatara is the representative of Thai’s hospitality that keeps coming across many thousand miles to make it place in global eye. whaT is your key success?
My key success is passion in providing the flawless Thai hospitality and drive it to the reality is the most important factor behind the great success. Anantara is delicate to bring Thai hospitality out of Thailand and mix it with local tradition like greeting you in local way and always project memorable experience. Each Anantara Resort draws its strength from
the rich cultural traditions, historic heritage and natural beauty of its destination. As such, every experience is a unique voyage of discovery and inspiration that is distinctly Anantara. whaT is The plan in The coming fuTure?
In the coming future, Avani, the brand under the noticeable image of Anantara is coming on to the global stage. The first Avani will be in Sri Lanka with the perfect hospitality just like Anantara’s.
No matter how hard it takes, Anantara never stop moving forward to spread the best quality of Thai’s hospitality as far as Anatara can go.
Anantara is the word in Sanskrit m eans "without end" and evokes the freedom, movement and harmony that are the spirit of the Anantara Experience.
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114 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 11/8/11 9:52 AM
REAL TASTE OF THAI THAI CULINARY AMBASSADOR NOOROR SOMANY STEPPE
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THAILAND’S
REMARKABLE BRANDS IN GLOBAL EYE
Worldwide Spreading Royal Cuisine with the Blue Elephant logo which symbolizes blue color on Thai national flag and animal, Blue Elephant is the best Thai cuisine representative outside of Thailand. Walking in to the arms of Blue Elephant restaurant, it is a real world of lush plants and trickling fountains.
BLUE ELEPHANT
Nooror Somany Steppe’s intelligence brings Thai culinary to the world’s market. Now, she is the spearhead of ‘Blue Elephant’, the best Thai culinary ambassador and the world leading brand for Thai restaurants with 11 eatery houses locate in many famous cities across Europe, the Middle East and Asia i.e. Brussels, London, Copenhagen, Paris, Lyon, Dubai, Moscow, Beirut, Kuwait, Malta, Bangkok, Jakarta and Phuket. Today it is a real honor for NOW Travel Asia to have a chance to sit and talk with this intelligence Thai. whaT make blue elephanT a very TasTy eaTery house?
Blue Elephant always focuses on the quality of the ingredients and the standard of flavors and taste most of the recipes. The cooking process must come from the feeling and heart. I keep reminding all my chefs to delicately cook and pay attention on every little detail. For my success, I praise the goodness of Thai cuisine. whaT is The cuisine sTyle of blue elephanT?
Blue Elephant offers 3 styles of Thai cuisine ‘Thai Cooking of the Past’, ‘Thai Cuisine of Today’, and ‘Thai Kitchen of Tomorrow’. I have whether dishes that are ancient tasty meal, every century favourites, or most red-hote creations, Blue Elephant offers them all. whaT is your mission in The neXT sTep?
I am chasing my dream to bring Thai culinary on to the international stage. I am very happy with what I am doing now. For my next step, I want to make everyone fancy in Thai cuisine and I would love to see Thai cuisine as a composition for a gala dinner or a luxury banquet since as well.
While keep being a national ambassador outside of Thailand, Nooror is also keeping her big smile while working hard with her confidence to make Thai cuisine everyone’s favorite.
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RITZY TEXTILE BEAUTY, ELEGANCE, INTELLIGENCE AND INDEPENDENCE. SCHLE WOODTHANAN
PASAYA
PASAYA is the brand of luxury textile. The production of Pasaya is under the creation of world-awardwinning textile designers of 2002 in Belgium. With state of the art in designing and manufacturing process, thus makes Pasaya’s products innovative, unique, superior in quality and value. As a leader of PASAYA Mr. Schle Woodthanan Managing Director and Design Director of Textile Gallery Co.,Ltd comes up to NOW Travel Asia with the story of the success of ritzy textile.
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as one of The remarkable brands in The inTernaTional markeT, whaT is The beginning of world wide recogniTion?
In 2002 when we won a few awards of textiles contest in Belgium, I had to give quite a number of interviews and open the factory for visitors as well as turn one production building to be an outlet later. Luckily, architecture and landscape of the factory are quite unique too. They don’t give the look of traditional textile factory as people imagine. In 2007, Medias came to introduce the factory as a tourist destination following the visit of H.M. the King of Sweden Carl XVI Gustaf. Actually, His Majesty was there to inspect the quality of “The Royal Napkins” for it was a charity product made to raise fund for World Scout Foundation. whaT does ‘pasaya’ mean? why pasaya?
When I came up with a solution to have our own brand, I set myself 3 criteria of finding a name. 1. I perceive textile as female. So the name must be of the meaning about female in Thai. 2.The name must be in Thai but also be able to pronounce in international language. 3.The name must be instantly memorable by the Thai. Under these criteria, I was lucky enough to find the name PASAYA which is a Thai word adopted from Sanskrit.
REMARKABLE BRANDS IN GLOBAL EYE
whaT is your mission in The neXT sTep?
The meaning is quite difficult to be translated into English. But imprecisely, it may mean “seductive women”. whaT make The success of The brand?
I believe that the success of any brands can not be just by chance. A good brand must have the true content. Because everyday, there are new brands emerging. If we can not assure the value people expect following our commercial messages, we are not attested. We believe in this philosophy and we are working hard to keep the standard.
For products, I have a few projects of R&D which will render more functionalities to textiles. I believe in functionality. So, to me, textile in this 21st century can not just be a piece of cloth. It can not just be attractive by just design, colors and textures. I am in search of these new functionalities. For the brand, I believe the best way to make the brand famous is providing a chance for people to try our products. By expanding the market channels increasing the volume of sale will be the step we have to work hard for the years to come. With the believe in the school of Minimalism that “Less is More”, Mr.Schle never leave any detail out of his attention just like the way every single part of true content that makes PASAYA splendid in global eyes.
Pasaya exports to Australia, Malaysia, India, China, Vietnam, UAE, France, and Spain. Besides export,
Pasaya also has flagship stores in Malaysia and Vietnam.
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LEGIBLE STYLE OF FASHION THE RED CARPET FASHION BRAND KLYDUAN, PIMDAO, AND MATINA SUKHAHUTA
SRETSIS
Sretsis is a Thai fashion brand with a place
on the road of the international fashion world, appearing in the road of Hollywood, so many stars wear Sretsis in their daily life and walk in front of the cameras. This made a big announcement on world’s famous magazine and newspaper. Sretsis is established in 2002. The fairy tale of three sisters first came across the ocean to Elle Fashion Week 2003. By following the progress of international fashion industry, Sretsis keeps rising in the global eye. the three sisters of the sukhahutas klyduan, pimdao, and matina who work on fashion together is telling noW travel asia about their fashion brand which just like a perfect and beautiful fairy tale..
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whaT is sreTsis’s sTyle?
The look of Sretsis’s fashion inspired by everyday life combine with classic, femininity, childhood, fun, and fantastic style. Each collection requires for future plan at least 6 months before it can be in the shop. Every piece of Sretsis is legible in style and quality as well. With sophistication and label, Sretsis concentrates on finest material, printing and textile development. how did you push sreTsis To The inTernaTional markeT?
Without any expectation, Sretsis has come across over the world. We are working hard together to continue on our fairly tale. Klyduan is the managing director, Pimdao is the creative director, and Matina is the Jewelry Design Director. We do our best on our part and we really love fashion. Appreciation and supporting are very important for good team work amongst us.
whaT is sreTsis dominanT feaTure?
Sretsis’s buyers from all around the world can have fun while choosing their clothes. And after buy it, they can really enjoy it anywhere. Sretsis can be dressed in Gala or even chill out with friend. The Sukhahuta sisters really mean to bring their fairy tale to everyday life. Now a day, the three sisters of Sukahutas still work together to keep their fairytale shining in fashion world. They keep working hard and stepping forward to the fashion world with the fairy-like brand of Sretsis. This fashion fairytale is one of the good sample of success from hard and team work. Sretsis got the name of the popularity from the word ‘sisters’ which relates to the owners and founders, 3 sisters of Sukhahuta family. They reverse the word ‘sisters’ to ‘Sretsis’, the name of the remarkable Thai fashion brand in international fashion world.
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NEVER BE OUT ALL TIME IN TREND + CHIC LIFESTYLE BHANU INKAWAT
GREYHOUND
Greyhound is popular amongst Asian fashionista especially in Hongkong and Thailand. Presenting in many multi shops in Asia, Greyhound has it place in international market for over 3 decades. Forming of fashion lovers and style presenters created a fashion brand of chic and never be out style. In 1980, Greyhound opened its first shop in Bangkok offering men’s casual wear. 10 years later came the women’s wear, leather goods and accessories. in 18 years later, greyhound opened its first Café in bangkok. the café became popular in a very short time because it is not just an ordinary eatery house but also chic lifestyle, music, and fashion.
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Today, Mr.Bhanu Inkawat as the CEO taking role in leading creative, marketing, and production of Greyhound has stated his way of the invisible success to NOW Travel Asia magazine. whaT is The imporTanT facTor To make greyhound success?
The relationship of brand’s team is very important. It does not need to be the best but need to have fun. The discipline and system have to come together. Every single trifle detail is necessary as the knowledge of business is basic with a twist. Any trifles are made to involve people. With the international fashion system, Greyhound has brought Thai brand to the international fashion stage and market. as a dual business under one brand, whaT is greyhound’s characTer?
Greyhound offers all time in trend fashion and also chic lifestyle. The character of Greyhound has its own identity and touchable. It is chic and contemporary, simple but never be out. Greyhound style appears both in the café and fashion. It is forever young mixing new and old generation together. So Greyhound is never boring. in The very close coming fuTure whaT are people going To see from greyhound?
We are going to launch new café under the name of Bangkok Café. It is going to be trendy and creative mix of menus, service and ambience at the competitive price in the same segment, Hong Kong’s Greyhound Café will not forget its roots and diners can expect a vast menu of simple food with a twist with Greyhound Cafe’s personal touch of service and atmosphere.
Even longer than 30 years came and passed but Mr.Bhanu still enjoy working on creation of fashion trend because fashion is never out of demand. This fashionable working guy is also the idol for young generation as the iconic fashion creator. Greyhound has 14 stand-alone and shop-in-shop boutique stores plus 8 cafés and 1 bar and restaurant in Bangkok. Greyhound also expanded abroad opening 2 concept stores in Hong Kong and available through CK Tang’s in Singapore. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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THE NEVER ENDING BEAUTY BEAUTY BUSINESS IN THE WORLD’S MARKET
The great legend of Mistine has started 23 years ago under the management of Better Way Thailand Company and aims to be direct sell cosmetic business. By that time direct sell business was not very popular. Better Way is the very first company running business in selling and production of cosmetic. It was very hard to make Thai consumers accept cosmetic with the production in Thailand. However Better Way has over came that problem. With quality, brand characters, and celebrity presenters, Mistine is the most outstanding cosmetic of Thailand and nowadays Mistine step to the international market with the shining look of Thai brand.
NOW Travel Asia has a great opportunity to talk to the adorable person who stands behind the great success of Mistine, Mr.Danai Deerojanawong, the direct seller of Mistine cosmetics about this remarkable ‘Mistine’ whaT is The brand characTer of misTine?
Mistine cosmetic divides into 4 group which are make up, personal care, skin care, and fragrance. Mistine’s cosmetic is single level direct sell via catalogue. In the past 23 years, is there any obstacle? Yes, problem always walk along with the success. Better Way tries to educate all staffs about the business system and make them realize that there is always a chance, just turn the problem to the business opportunity.
DANAI DEEROJANAWONG
MISTINE
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whaT is The maJor key of beTTer way To push misTine To inTernaTional markeT?
We use international philosophy in selling, management, and system of production. While using Thai way to build relationship among all staffs, we are strong community just like family and always help each other. With this organization’s identity, Mistine operates flexible and fast management. Now, Better way has 7,000 cosmetics on Mistine’s selling list. The development of this notable cosmetic brand is never ever stop. In the past ten years, Better Way joins with the manufacturers in Korea, France, Italy, and Germany to make Mistine abreast of new trend. This cosmetic brand of Thailand is never out of modish road.
You can find Mistine Cosmetics at health shop and stores such as Watson, Booth, 7-11, and Pure. Mistine is also available in Asian countries, Middle East, and multi beauty shop in Europe. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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REGAL SUBSTANCE PRETIGIOUS TABLEWARE KAMOLAPHAT TEEPSUWAN
ROYAL PORCELAIN
Royal Porcelain is smashing over 50 countries around the world under 5 brands altogether Royal Porcelain, Royal Porcelain Maxadura, Royal Fine China, Royal Bone China, and DEVA. For travelers who stay in high-class hotel, you already touched the products of RPC. Presenting in Hong Kong, China, Eqypt and many countries, there are the brand of RPC on the other side of tableware. Royal Porcelain has been around for more than 25 years and many agents have been with RPC since the start of the company. It is such a great day of NOW Travel Asia to talk to Mr. Kamolaphat Teepsuwan as the vice president taking role in sales and marketing about what's bring the great success in global market.
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whaT is royal porcelain’s characTer?
Royal Porcelain offers 5 different brands that cater from low to high prices. All of our products have the same quality standard. The different is the ingredients use in production and the decoration use, such as bone ash in bone china and fine china products, gold and platinum, that differentiate the price of the products. Of course product with no decoration at all which we called white ware will be cheaper than product with decoration such as gold or platinum. whaT's The inspiraTion To build The brand?
The inspiration is to build the brand that represents Thailand. It is very difficult for Thai company today to build a brand and compete in the world with products that are high tech or require large capital investment.
Thais are best at producing beautiful and craftsmanship products. We are no less competitive in creativity and design when compare to Europeans, American or even Asians. Thus, ceramic tableware fit these criteria. whaT is your key To The greaT success in long Term?
The keys to my success are quality, design, price and service. You can differentiate by having a unique design but you also need to have some common designs that still popular in the market. Quality also plays an important role. The less complain you have about your products, the happier is your agents and the end users. With good dependable quality they will continue to buy your brands and products and keep other from stealing your market share. Service I think is also essential, serving your customer and help solving their problems is an art. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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in The close coming fuTure, whaT is your mission on The neXT sTep?
One mission is to push DEVA as a flagship brand. We will continue to develop new shapes as well as to continue to work with OEM brands. Moreover, it is our mission to push our own-Thai brands through innovation, design, quality, and service and importantly to make sure the international market accept that RPC is from Thailand as high quality product that is comparable in the international industry.
As the world of business never stop moving, Teepsuwan got to work hard to keep Royal Porcelain striking the target in the international market.
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ouT of asia
amazing
‘
american s NatioNal
Parks
Story & PhotoS by Suriya NuNtaSukoN
AmericAN is oNe of tHe couNtries witH vArious NAturAl sceNe sNow mouNtAiN, glAcier, lAke, desert, PiNe forest, PrAirie, gigANtic wAterfAll, oceAN, eNigmAticAl rock cliff, mysterious cAve, etc. This Trip we would like To Take you To 2 famous naTional parks which are beauTiful and amazing and people have visiTed The mosT. tHe Purity is tHe reAsoN wHy mANy PeoPle come to visit tHe PArks ANd tAke mANy Pictures wHicH All HAve beAutiful sceNe to eNcourAge PeoPle to see witH tHeir owN eyes. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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C
entral park is in Yosemite Valley which is 11 kilometers long and 1.6 kilometer wide. It is Traces of erosion through the middle of an ancient glacier made one of the most beautiful valleys of America. With 2 peaks Half Dome and El Capital, there is a huge vertical cliff in front of me just like a gigantic giant. From Thailand, I take an airplane to get to Sanfrancisco, the big city on the west coast of America. After I get to Sanfrancisco, I drive a rental car to see the beautiful view. I drive pass Fresno then get to Yosemite from the west. Cause
of the vehicle and American great road condition, I spend one night at this valley. There are uncountable beautiful viewpoint. Every summer, so many travels come to visit Yosemite causing traffic jam. So the national park offers electric train service from the dawn till night to decrease pollution and noise. For the adventurer, there is bicycle lane along with the road for safety cycling. I begin at visitor center of Yosemite to participate in the presentation for basis information of the park. Then I drive the car to Yosemite waterfall which is very high and visible from the long distance. There a walk way around 400 meters to the lowest layer of the waterfall but if you want to see all 4 layers of the waterfall, you will get to walk 4 kilometers more. I don’t have time to make it. So I take the bus to El Capital. The important iconic mount is massive granite with the height if 900 meters. Close to El Capital, there are SentiNOW TRAVEL ASIA
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nel Rock and Glacier Point which scoured by ice and turn Sentinel Rock and Glacier Point to the interesting and attractive shape.
Yosemite has drive way about 84 ki-
lometers or half – 1 day depends on number of viewpoints that we stop at. From the Yosemite valley on the road Calf.41 or Wowana road to Wowana Tunnel and Tunnel View Overlook is praised as “The Most Photographed Vista on Earth” because it is boundlessly panoramic viewpoint. On top of the high mountain, I can see the whole mountain range of Yosemite with 168 meters high Bridalveil Fall and amazing afternoon rainbow. 11 kilometers to the left on the way of Glacier Point, both of the road sides are filled with pine forest. I stop at the parking lot and walk 250 meters to the viewpoint at the height of 964 meters to see the clear fantastic view of Half Dome. It is so amazing! Then I return
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yoSemite haS a mediterranean climate, meaning moSt PreciPitation fallS during the mild winter, and the other SeaSonS
are nearly dry less than 3% of precipitation falls during the long, hot summers.
Yosemite NatioNal Park the beautiful nature juSt like in imagination with mountain, Pine foreSt, colorful deciduouS foreSt, and blue Sky reflected in clear lake, this is not just a dream but it is a picture of amazing reality which we can see at Yosemite National Park, California, America. to the road Calf.41. It takes me 13 miles to Wawona for convenient hotel, nice restaurant, shopping store, modern golf field, and Yosemite history center.
Next I drive to the south, pass by the entrance of the national park and turn left to Mariposa Grove. I see more than 200 gigantic trees, Sequoia. They are same type as Pine tree but much bigger and they are also one of the world’s oldest and biggest organisms. I try to look for one of them with the name ‘Grizzly Giant’. It is 2,700 year old with 209 feet high. The circumference at its base is 100 feet and diameter is 28 feet, the total weight of this tree is around 200 millions pounds and has about 30,000 cubic feet of wood. With the Grizzly Giant, we can build 30 houses. This is the real astonishment of the nature. I keep on driving to Wawona Tunnel Tree and drive under tree tunnel of the giant tree which fell down 30 years ago but still alive and keep growing. This is one of the best points to take memorable picture. I will never ever forget the wonderful pictures of this trip. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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DeaD ValleY NatioNal Park the amazing Scene of america which iS look extenSive and emPty but temPting to find the myStery juSt like we go to other Planet, the dead valley national Park iS Sort of that Place. with the lebel of dead valley national Park, it might SoundS Scary but it iS So wonderful. i can not even StoP Staring at the beautiful Scene of the national Park.
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T
he Dead Valley is hiding in arid desert landscape of western California State. The valley looks thick and long lying between the majestic mountains side. The valley has 7,800 meter or 3,000 mile squares. It is very easy to get lost here because it is really hard to find the exit of the enigmatic maze. Including an interesting look of dead valley, there is a big flat salt plain along with gnarled rock mountain and giant sand dune which never stop attracting so many visitors to come and see the wonder of nature
Dead Valley not only has aridity but in heavy rain year, the rain will change the salt plain to inland sea or small lake in the valley which is beautiful in the sunrise and sunset. It reflects the picture of the mountain, blue sky, clouds, and all color of surrounding. Moreover in the huge arid land, there is the unbelievable phenomenon, Sailing Stones or walking stone which is still a mystery that non of scientific knowledge can state the reason why the stones roll itself on desert and arid area. After the stones walk around, there are many line marked on the ground look like a snake slither. The most reliable reason to answer this mystery is earth's magnetic force Dead Valley is the lowest area of North America. It is lower than sea level 86 meters or 282 feet. It is also recorded NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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as the most dry and hot area. There is no doubt for the name “Dead Valley� which hardly find living creature around the area. Only small insect, lizard, and shrub can survive. The hottest day the valley was on July 10th,1913. It was 56 degree Celsius. If it is like this, how can the creature survive? Beside the cruel of the nature, there is a beautiful side of Dead Valley. Viewpoint of sunrise, Zabriskie Point is a mountain belt without any plant. In the morning, Zabriskie will be in the golden sun light which is very impressive. 2 days traveling at Yosemite and Dead Valley national parks of America is over finally. One day I find my way back to the unbelievable park.
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the fairytale-like SceNe oN earth
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HOW TO GO :
Yosemite: yosemite is in california. so we have to fly to sanfrancisco and drive to the national park on the calf. hwy.41. you can go there anytime but in June-August please make sure that you reserve hotel before you go there because it is high season during that time. dead valley: dead valley is in california. so we have to fly to sanfrancisco then drive to Lasvegas. it will take 3 hours to the road interstate 95 then highway 374 will take you straight to dead valley. CONTACT :
Yosemite national park p.o. box 577, cA 95389, usA visitor information tel: 001-1- (209) 372-0200 www.nps.gov/yose/ index.htm death valley national park p.o. box 579, death valley, california 92328, usA VISITOR INFORMATION TEL:001-1- (760) 786-3200 WWW.NPS.GOV/DEVA/INDEX.HTM
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Win the Special Prize at Ritz-Carlton Krabi’s Resort Value 40,000 +++THB For 2 persons including breakfast
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asia’s heriTage
NANG GNAM STREET
OF SONGKHLA THE LI VING LEGEND
formerly cAlled siNggorA, SONGKHLA IS THE LIVING LEGEND. it wAs A busiNess Hub iN tHe Age of coloNiAl stArted iN 1617 As oNe of tHe best seAsoNiNg sources iN soutH eAst AsiA. firstly soNgkHlA trAded witH HollANd ANd tHeN otHer euroPe couNtries lAter.
THIS MAKES THE DIFFERENT IN SONGKHLA’S LOOK ESPECIALLY IN ARCHITECTURE. THIS FORMER BUSINESS HUB HAS MANY COLONIAL BUILDINGS WHICH PRESENT THE OUTSTANDING IDENTITY OF THIS HERITAGE TOWN. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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soNgkHlA is oNe of tHe soutHerN ProviNces of tHAilANd. iN coNtrAst to most otHer ProviNces of tHAilANd, tHe cAPitAl soNgkHlA is Not tHe lArgest city but HAt yAi witH twice tHe PoPulAtioN of soNgkHlA. HAt yAi trAiN stAtioN is tHe biggest stoP of soutHerN rAilwAy.
T
he colonial look of Songkhla represents the way of life. The the diversity of various different cultures is the enchantment of Songkhla that attract many visitors in every year.
Nang Gnam road is the highlight of this charming town. In the past,
this road was very crowded because of the lakeside location. But when it comes to the time that we use car more than boat, Nang Gnam road is left with silence beautiful of the past and the story of Sonkhla’s past through the architecture.
Both of Nang Gnam road sides are filled with Chinese buildings with classical roof tiles from Yor Island which is long time famous, classical Chino-Portugal building and some modern buildings. The look of Songkhla is simple but beautiful with its own charming like no where else. Among the old buildings of SongKhla, there are restaurant, coffee café, boutique shop, Thai snack store, bicycle maintenance, etc. You will surely find tasty Thai, Chinese, and western snack on this road very easy. On Nang Gnam road, here are the NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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places that you must visit. They are 5 shrines which are Guan Oo, Pae Kong, Koey Seng Ong and Songkhla town shrine. All of the shrines has
beautiful classical style represent the diversity of cultures of Thais, Chinese, Buddhism, and Muslim that live happily together for very long time Another thing that you shouldn’t miss of this cultural road is food. Every kind of food here is so delicious and has many kind of main dish, appetizer, and dessert which all famous for many decades. In the morning Wonton of Ran Koh Thai restaurant, pork with rice, Chinese dishes, and
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The former name of songkhla, ‘SINGGORA’which is from Jawi. iT is The original name means‘THE CITY OF LIONS’ and refers To a lion-shaped mounTain near The ciTy of songkhla.
grilled meat ball are highly recommended. For lunch time, any classical restaurants and foods of Nang Gnam road are perfect and guarantee by local people. The special dessert that you can not miss is ‘Egg Ice-cream’. It might sounds weird but on Nang Gnam road, they really serve this kind of dessert and it is so good. The ice cream will come with yolk and toped with Ovaltine (famous chocolate malt powder). You will get to mix all stuff together and eat them with banana. This dessert is sweet, cold, and so yummy. It is the most special menu of Nang Gnam road. If you have chance to walk on Nang Gnam road of Songkhla, please make sure that you won’t miss anything that NOW Travel Asia has stated above. It is charming and lovely place to visit. The picture you see here will take you away from the Chaos. You will forget it all along the heritage path way of Songkhla, the town of Asian heritage. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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sPa guiDe
Leave the WhoLe WorLd Behind aT The highesT poinT of view spa The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA
redefines the best Hong Kong spa experience on the 116th floor of Hong Kong’s highest skyscraper and featuring 860 sq m/9,257 sq ft. ESPA features nine deluxe treatment rooms and two couples’ suites, plus floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views and soothing therapies, this exceptional spa in Hong Kong is the perfect place to leave the whole world behind. You will feel like there is nothing worrying
you as the in front view is Hong Kong’s panoramic view with the coastal line and endlessly ocean. ESPA offers exclusively created collection of powerful and highly effective signature treatments for The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong that combine Western and Asian influences, incorporating traditional techniques and indigenous ingredients to help balance and renew mind, body, and soul and give luminosity and radiance to the skin. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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Each treatment experience begins with a wellness consultation to ensure each of your experience is completely perfect to you.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA is the highest hotel spa of the world. You will have unique experience. Getting massage while looking at the beauty of Hong Kong with endlessly ocean, you will escape from it all.
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the BeSt reFreShinG FroM it aLL TReaTMenT fRoM asian CuLTuRaL wisdoM from The LeGend of shAnGriLA Which is A PLAce of PersonAL PeAce, enchAnTmenT, And WeLL-beinG, This is The insPirATion ThAT creATed chi, The sPA of shAnGri-LA rAsA sAyAnG.
The spa is set within a secluded corner of Shangri-La resort and Spa enclosed by soaring centuries old rain trees and beside a tranquil seashore, CHI, The Spa off you 11 spa villas and a yoga pavilion of serenity, peace, and solitude. In traditional Chinese philosophy, "chi" or "Qi" is the universal life force that governs well-being and personal vitality. For people to maintain good health, it is believed that "CHI" must flow freely within the body and, when blocked, "disease" and illness follow. Movement is therefore a key element in releasing blockages. Body massage, exercise, stretching, hydrotherapy, and movement of the mind through relaxation and meditation combine to assist the body's natural renewal and form the basis of the CHI spa philosophy. CHI projects the massages and treatments that based on authentic natural healing methods found in the traditional well-being practices shared by many Asian cultures. With roots set in the Chinese theory of the Five Elements of metal, water, wood, fire and earth to harmony the body's energy, each CHI, The Spa also draws on the traditional techniques of its host location and culture. CHI is the best refreshing from it all for the good beginning before 2012 comes. As a reward from the all year long hard work and hideaway from the chaotic world, CHI spa is the best answer. Not just a spa but Shangri-La Rasa Sayang offers you a place to discover the beauty of Penang. With the name of Shangri-La, you will never get disappointed. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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aDVerTorial
moroccan & asian archiTecTure
The Address of eLeGAnce Moroccan architecture is a new trend which takes its roots from Moorish architecture,
IT hAS BEEN MADE pOpuLAR By ThE VOguE Of RIADS RENOVATION IN MARRAkECh. IT IS VERy pOpuLAR IN SOME CIRCLE IN uNITED kINgDOM AND AMERICA.
n
ow the popular of Moroccan architecture has settled down on the beautiful location of Ping River, the main river of this city of beautiful culture, Chiang Mai, Thailand. It is completely different from other building in Chiang Mai. Charming of this outstanding place awaits you. You will find unique address with marvelous image and blameless treat. As you look at the elegance of Shiek Istana Hotel, Chiang Mai, Thailand you will be dragged out of Chiang Mai. Sheik Istana is ideally situated on the best location on the main riverside. The city’s famous attractions are all in reach. The Chiang Mai
Night Bazaar, Chiang Mai International Airport, Saturday and Sunday Walking Street Markets and Central Airport Plaza shopping centre are less than 15 minutes to reach. Â Staying at this Moroccan architecture building is limited and extraordinary. Shiek Istana project only 35 luxuriously appointed guest rooms which all inspired by Moroccan and Asian architecture, making the hotel ideally suited for a romantic getaway or honeymoon; its convenient location and beautiful, cozy and elegant atmosphere will however equally appeal to business people. You can relax and take in the stunning views of Wat Chedi Lium, one of the ancient temples in Wiang Kum Kam, the beautiful ancient town from your room terrace and have yourself pampered by the NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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friendly and professional staffs. They will treat you with high quality of service only. Behind the Moroccan building of Sheik Istana, there is the finest spa. You can see the stunning views of Ping river and the gorgeous ancient town while get the best massage from Shiek Spa. With expert therapists and flawless treatment, you will get the perfect refreshment and forget the whole world. Shiek Istana consigns the palatial hotel experience. With the best location and charming image, the hotel is one of the best places to stay in Chiang Mai and if you have a chance to come and look around, you will never ever refuse to stay with this classy Moroccan hotel.
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whaT’s nexT issue
JANuAry-februAry 2012
2nd ANIVERSARY ISSUE BEST OF NOW TRAVEL ASIA ON NEWSSTAND IN ASIA MID JANUARY 2012
FACES OF ASIA
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